Abstract
Therapies targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 2 are effective in metastatic breast cancer (MBC).We review the efficacy of HER2-directed therapies, focussing on monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting HER2 that have been tested in phase II-III studies in MBC.Trastuzumab is an important component of first-line treatment of HER2-positive MBC. New anti-HER2 drugs have the potential to change clinical practice. The potential role of the different drugs and regimens is yet to be determined. The response rate for trastuzumab-DM1 of 26-64% is comparable to those obtained for capecitabine plus lapatinib (48%), continuing trastuzumab in combination with capecitabine (48%), pertuzumab plus trastuzumab (24%), and neratinib (24%). Strategies combining multiple HER2-directed therapies might yield additive or synergistic effects and lead to improved outcome.The future challenges include understanding HER2 functions, designing rational combinations and optimal selection of patients.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Breast |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 1 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-12 |
Number of pages | 12 |
ISSN | 0960-9776 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2013 |