Current status of antibody therapy for breast cancer

Breast Cancer. 2004;11(1):10-4. doi: 10.1007/BF02967994.

Abstract

Antibody therapy with trastuzumab has greatly impacted breast cancer treatment. Combination treatment with trastuzumab is regarded currently as a first-line therapy for metastatic breast cancers that overexpress Her-2. It has become routine practice to examine the status of Her-2 expression in primary tumors. The impact of this therapy might be as great as that of endocrine therapy from a historical point of view. A number of new approaches using trastuzumab for seeking individualized treatment are being tested in current clinical trials. We reviewed recent advances in trastuzumab treatment and discuss the future of antibody therapy for breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Genes, erbB-2 / genetics
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / drug effects
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics
  • Trastuzumab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Trastuzumab