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The erbB 2 oncogene and chemotherapy: a mini-review
E A Torre1, V Salimbeni, R A Fulco
1Sezione Decentrata di Tecnologie Biomediche dell'Istituto Tumori di Genova, Messina, Italy.
Journal of Chemotherapy (Florence, Italy)
|February 1, 1997
Summary
The erbB 2 gene (Her-2/neu) is an oncogene linked to poor cancer prognosis. Overexpression of this gene indicates reduced responsiveness to adjuvant treatments, impacting therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The erbB 2 gene, also known as Her-2/neu, encodes a transmembrane glycoprotein receptor.
- Overexpression of erbB 2 is associated with a poor prognosis in various cancers.
- Emerging research highlights erbB 2's role in predicting treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the role of erbB 2 gene expression in cancer prognosis.
- To review the impact of erbB 2 overexpression on adjuvant treatment responsiveness.
- To discuss the development and evaluation of anti-erbB 2 monoclonal antibodies and combination therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on erbB 2 gene expression.
- Analysis of data correlating erbB 2 levels with cancer prognosis.
- Examination of research on monoclonal antibody production and combined therapeutic effects.
Main Results:
- Elevated erbB 2 expression is a significant indicator of poor prognosis in multiple cancer types.
- Tumors with high erbB 2 expression demonstrate reduced sensitivity to adjuvant therapies compared to those with normal expression.
- Studies have explored anti-erbB 2 monoclonal antibodies and their synergistic effects with chemotherapeutics.
Conclusions:
- erbB 2 gene status is a critical factor in determining cancer prognosis and predicting treatment outcomes.
- Targeting erbB 2 with monoclonal antibodies, potentially in combination with chemotherapy, offers a promising therapeutic avenue.
- Further research into erbB 2-targeted therapies is warranted to improve patient outcomes.