Efficacy of HER2-targeted therapy in metastatic breast cancer. Monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Dorte L Nielsen, Iben Kümler, Jesper Andreas Palshof, Michael Andersson

80 Citations (Scopus)

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 languageEnglish
JournalBreast
Volume22
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)1-12
Number of pages12
ISSN0960-9776
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2013

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