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Moasser MM. Inactivating amplified HER2: challenges, dilemmas, and future directions. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2811-2820. [PMID: 35731927 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The pharmaceutical inactivation of driver oncogenes has revolutionized the treatment of cancer replacing cytotoxic chemotherapeutic approaches with kinase inhibitor therapies for many types of cancers. This approach has not yet been realized for the treatment of HER2-amplified cancers. The monotherapy activities associated with HER2-targeting antibodies and kinase inhibitors are modest, and their clinical use has been in combination with, and not in replacement of cytotoxic chemotherapies. This stands in sharp contrast to achievements in the treatment of many other oncogene-driven cancers. The mechanism-based treatment hypothesis regarding the inactivation of HER2 justifies expectations far beyond what is currently realized. Overcoming this barrier requires mechanistic insights that can fuel new directions for pursuit, but scientific investigation of this treatment hypothesis, particularly with regards to trastuzumab, has been complicated by conflicting and confusing data sets, ironclad dogma, and mechanistic conclusions that have repeatedly failed to translate clinically. We are now approaching a point of convergence regarding the challenges and resiliency in this tumor driver, and I will provide here a review and opinion to inform where we currently stand with this treatment hypothesis and where the future potential lies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark M Moasser
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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2
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Crucitta S, Cucchiara F, Sciandra F, Cerbioni A, Diodati L, Rafaniello C, Capuano A, Fontana A, Fogli S, Danesi R, Re MD. Pharmacological Basis of Breast Cancer Resistance to Therapies - An Overview. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:760-774. [PMID: 34348634 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210804100547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a molecular heterogeneous disease and often patients with similar clinico-pathological characteristics may display different response to treatment. Cellular processes, including uncontrolled cell-cycle, constitutive activation of signalling pathways parallel to or downstream of HER2 and alterations in DNA-repair mechanisms are the main features altered in the tumor. These cellular processes play significant roles in the emergence of therapy resistance. The introduction of target therapies as well as immunotherapies has improved the management of breast cancer. Furthermore, several therapeutic options are available to overcome resistance and physicians could overcome the challenge of resistant BC using combinatorial drug strategies and incorporating novel biomarkers. Molecular profiling promises to help in refine personalized treatment decisions and catalyse the development of further strategies when resistances inevitably occur. The search for biological explanations for treatment failure helps to clarify the phenomenon and allows to incorporate new biomarkers into clinical practice that can lead to adequate solutions to overcome it. This review provides a summary of genetic and molecular aspects of resistance mechanisms to available treatments for BC patients, and its clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Crucitta
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | - Federico Cucchiara
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | - Francesca Sciandra
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | - Annalisa Cerbioni
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | - Lucrezia Diodati
- Unit of Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa. Italy
| | - Concetta Rafaniello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples. Italy
| | - Annalisa Capuano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples. Italy
| | - Andrea Fontana
- Unit of Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa. Italy
| | - Stefano Fogli
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | - Romano Danesi
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | - Marzia Del Re
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
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3
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Derakhshani A, Rezaei Z, Safarpour H, Sabri M, Mir A, Sanati MA, Vahidian F, Gholamiyan Moghadam A, Aghadoukht A, Hajiasgharzadeh K, Baradaran B. Overcoming trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer using combination therapy. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:3142-3156. [PMID: 31566722 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer (BC) comprises around 20-30% of all BC subtypes and is correlated with poor prognosis. For many years, trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody, has been used to inhibit the HER2 activity. Though, the main resistance to trastuzumab has challenged the use of this drug in the management of HER2-positive BC. Therefore, the determination of resistance mechanisms and the incorporation of new agents may lead to the development of a better blockade of the HER family receptor signaling. During the last few years, some therapeutic drugs have been developed for treating patients with trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive BC that have more effective influences in the management of this condition. In this regard, the present study aimed at reviewing the mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance and the innovative therapies that have been investigated in trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive BC subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Derakhshani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zohreh Rezaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Sistan and Balouchestan, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Hossein Safarpour
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Morteza Sabri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Sistan and Balouchestan, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Atefeh Mir
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Sistan and Balouchestan, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Sanati
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Vahidian
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Ali Aghadoukht
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
| | | | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Ramezani A, Ghaderi A. Using a Dihydrofolate Reductase-Based Strategy for Producing the Biosimilar Version of Pertuzumab in CHO-S Cells. Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother 2018; 37:26-37. [DOI: 10.1089/mab.2017.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amin Ramezani
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abbas Ghaderi
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Amin DN, Ahuja D, Yaswen P, Moasser MM. A TORC2-Akt Feed-Forward Topology Underlies HER3 Resiliency in HER2-Amplified Cancers. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 14:2805-17. [PMID: 26438156 PMCID: PMC4674361 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The requisite role of HER3 in HER2-amplified cancers is beyond what would be expected as a dimerization partner or effector substrate and it exhibits a substantial degree of resiliency that mitigates the effects of HER2-inhibitor therapies. To better understand the roots of this resiliency, we conducted an in-depth chemical-genetic interrogation of the signaling network downstream of HER3. A unique attribute of these tumors is the deregulation of TORC2. The upstream signals that ordinarily maintain TORC2 signaling are lost in these tumors, and instead TORC2 is driven by Akt. We find that in these cancers HER3 functions as a buffering arm of an Akt-TORC2 feed-forward loop that functions as a self-perpetuating module. This network topology alters the role of HER3 from a conditionally engaged ligand-driven upstream physiologic signaling input to an essential component of a concentric signaling throughput highly competent at preservation of homeostasis. The competence of this signaling topology is evident in its response to perturbation at any of its nodes. Thus, a critical pathophysiologic event in the evolution of HER2-amplified cancers is the loss of the input signals that normally drive TORC2 signaling, repositioning it under Akt dependency, and fundamentally altering the role of HER3. This reprogramming of the downstream network topology is a key aspect in the pathogenesis of HER2-amplified cancers and constitutes a formidable barrier in the targeted therapy of these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhara N Amin
- Department of Medicine, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Deepika Ahuja
- Department of Medicine, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Paul Yaswen
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California
| | - Mark M Moasser
- Department of Medicine, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California.
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Montemurro F, Prat A, Rossi V, Valabrega G, Sperinde J, Peraldo-Neia C, Donadio M, Galván P, Sapino A, Aglietta M, Baselga J, Scaltriti M. Potential biomarkers of long-term benefit from single-agent trastuzumab or lapatinib in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Mol Oncol 2014; 8:20-6. [PMID: 24075779 PMCID: PMC5528507 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2013.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2009 a prospective, randomized Phase II trial (NCT00842998) was initiated to evaluate the activity of HER2-targeting agents without chemotherapy (CT) in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. The primary tumors of the patients enrolled in this study offered a unique opportunity to identify biomarkers that could predict durable clinical benefit from CT-free anti-HER2 therapy. Patients with HER2-positive MBC were randomized to trastuzumab or lapatinib as first-line therapy. CT was added to anti-HER2 therapy in patients failing to achieve tumor regression at the 8-week evaluation and in those progressing at any time. Expression analysis of 105 selected genes was performed from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary tumor samples. The research-based PAM50 intrinsic subtypes were also identified. Additionally, quantitative HER2 (H2T) and p95HER2 (p95) protein expression were evaluated by HERmark® and VeraTag® assay, respectively. Predictors of persistence on protocol (PP) were studied by Cox univariate and multivariate analysis. Nineteen patients were enrolled. Median overall survival was 43 months and median PP was 3.8 months (0.8-38.8+), with 4 patients (21.1%) persisting on single agent trastuzumab or lapatinib for longer than 12 mo (14.9-38.8 + mo). Seventeen patients were evaluable for PP. Gene expression analysis revealed that high expression of the 17q12-21 amplicon genes HER2 and GRB7, and the PAM50 HER2-enriched intrinsic profile, were significantly associated with longer PP. Conversely, high expression of luminal-related genes such as PGR, MDM2 or PIK3CA, or the PAM50 luminal intrinsic profile correlated with reduced PP. Moreover, increasing H2T/p95 ratio was found to be significantly associated with longer PP (HR 0.56 per 2-fold increase in H2T/p95, P = 0.0015). Our data suggest that patients belonging to the "HER2-enriched" subtype and/or having high H2T/p95 protein expression ratio are exquisitely sensitive to anti-HER2 agents. MBC patients with these tumors could be candidates for studies aimed at establishing chemotherapy-free regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Montemurro
- Unit of Investigative Clinical Oncology (INCO), Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Institute of Candiolo (IRCCs), Str. Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; Division of Medical Oncology, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Institute of Candiolo (IRCCs), Str. Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Aleix Prat
- Translational Genomics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valentina Rossi
- Unit of Investigative Clinical Oncology (INCO), Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Institute of Candiolo (IRCCs), Str. Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Valabrega
- Division of Medical Oncology, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Institute of Candiolo (IRCCs), Str. Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Jeff Sperinde
- Clinical Research, Monogram Biosciences, Inc., 345 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Caterina Peraldo-Neia
- Laboratory of Cell Therapy, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Institute of Candiolo (IRCCs), Candiolo, Italy
| | - Michela Donadio
- A.O. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino - sede Molinette, C.so Bramante 88/90, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Patricia Galván
- Translational Genomics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Sapino
- Department of Biological Sciences and Human Oncology, Universita di Torino, Str. Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Massimo Aglietta
- Division of Medical Oncology, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Institute of Candiolo (IRCCs), Str. Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - José Baselga
- Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, Box 20, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Maurizio Scaltriti
- Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, Box 20, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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7
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Risk of severe diarrhea with dual anti-HER2 therapies: a meta-analysis. Tumour Biol 2013; 35:4077-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-1533-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Abstract
The monoclonal antibody trastuzumab has improved the outcomes of patients with breast cancer that overexpresses the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). However, despite this advancement, many tumors develop resistance and novel approaches are needed. Recently, a greater understanding of cellular biology has translated into the development of novel anti-HER2 agents with varying mechanisms of action. The small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib has demonstrated activity in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and in the preoperative setting. Pertuzumab is a monoclonal antibody with a distinct binding site from trastuzumab, which inhibits receptor dimerization. In recent studies, the addition of pertuzumab to combination therapy has led to improvements in progression-free survival in patients with HER2-positive MBC and higher response rates in the preoperative setting. An alternative approach is the use of novel antibody-drug conjugates such as trastuzumab-emtansine, which recently demonstrated activity in MBC. Neratinib, a pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which irreversibly inhibits HER1 and HER2, also has proven activity in MBC. A range of compounds is being developed to attempt to overcome trastuzumab resistance by targeting heat shock protein 90, a molecular chaperone required for the stabilization of cellular proteins. Furthermore, agents are being developed to inhibit the mammalian target of rapamycin, a downstream component of the PTEN/PI3K pathway, which has been implicated in trastuzumab resistance. Finally, there are emerging data indicating that combinations of anti-HER2 agents may circumvent resistance mechanisms and improve patient outcomes. In this review, recent data on these emerging agents and novel combinations for HER2-positive breast cancer are discussed.
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Abstract
An antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) provides the possibility of selectively ablating cancer cells by combining the specificity of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) for a target antigen with the delivery of a highly potent cytotoxic agent. ADC target antigens are typically highly expressed on the surface of cancer cells compared to normal cells. The tumor target, the cytotoxic agent, and the manner in which the agent is attached to the antibody are key determinants of clinical activity and tolerability. Recently, several clinical trials have demonstrated that ADCs achieve higher clinical response rates than unconjugated mAbs targeting the same cell surface antigen. Brentuximab vedotin represents one such ADC that has recently been approved for the treatment of relapsed Hodgkin and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphomas--both characterized by high expression of the target antigen, CD30, on the surface of malignant cells. This review summarizes key characteristics of current, clinically active ADCs and highlights recent clinical data illustrating the benefit of antibody-targeted delivery of cytotoxic agents to cancer cells.
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10
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Ahn ER, Vogel CL. Dual HER2-targeted approaches in HER2-positive breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2011; 131:371-83. [PMID: 21956210 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-011-1781-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 15-20% of all breast cancers are human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive, with clinical studies having validated the HER2 receptor tyrosine kinase pathway as an important therapeutic target. Presently, two HER2-targeted therapies are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer: the HER2-targeted humanized monoclonal antibody trastuzumab and the small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib. Despite use of these HER2-targeted agents, many patients still experience disease progression. For this reason, numerous new agents and therapeutic strategies are under investigation. Based on preclinical data suggesting synergistic effects from dual therapy targeting HER2, clinical trials that test the effects of combining anti-HER2 agents have been conducted and are ongoing. Here, we review recently presented data from several clinical trials, which indicate that the strategy of combining HER2 blockade therapies can offer greater clinical efficacy, with adverse effects of varying degrees. Specifically, we review new data reported at the 2010 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS 2010), including the phase II NeoSphere and phase III NeoALTTO clinical trials, and data from three clinical trials reported at the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO 2011) meeting. Together these trials elucidate the potential role of combining trastuzumab with lapatinib or pertuzumab. We also discuss additional ongoing studies that will help further define the role of dual HER2 blockade therapies and its impact on clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene R Ahn
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1475 NW 12th Avenue Suite 3300, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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Emde A, Köstler WJ, Yarden Y. Therapeutic strategies and mechanisms of tumorigenesis of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2010; 84 Suppl 1:e49-57. [PMID: 20951604 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2010.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2010] [Revised: 08/19/2010] [Accepted: 09/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase HER2 is overexpressed in approximately 25% of breast cancers. HER2 acts as a signal amplifier for its siblings, namely three different transmembrane receptors that collectively bind with 11 distinct growth factors of the EGF family. Thus, overexpression of HER2 confers aggressive invasive growth in preclinical models and in patients. Specific therapies targeting HER2 include monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, as well as heat shock protein and sheddase inhibitors. Two of these drugs have shown impressive - yet mostly transient - efficacy in patients with HER2 overexpressing breast cancer. We highlight the biological roles of HER2 in breast cancer progression, and overview the available therapeutic armamentarium directed against this receptor-kinase molecule. Focusing on the mechanisms that confer resistance to individual HER2 targeting agents, we envisage therapeutic approaches to delay or overcome the evolvement of resistance in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Emde
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Chien AJ, Rugo HS. The cardiac safety of trastuzumab in the treatment of breast cancer. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2010; 9:335-46. [DOI: 10.1517/14740331003627441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Jo Chien
- University of California San Francisco, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA ;
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13
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Sánchez-Muñoz A, Pérez-Ruiz E, Jiménez B, Ribelles N, Márquez A, García-Ríos I, Alba Conejo E. Targeted therapy of metastatic breast cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2009; 11:643-50. [DOI: 10.1007/s12094-009-0419-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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