Abstract
It is important when treating a patient who has advanced breast cancer to establish the biologic characteristics of the tumor. In addition to knowing the hormone receptor status (estrogen and progesterone), human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2) should be evaluated. The measurement of this parameter is essential to optimizing the systemic management. This article reviews the biology of HER2, testing for HER2, clinical studies evaluating HER2-based therapies, side effects (specifically cardiotoxicity), and strategies for HER2-based therapies.
MeSH terms
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
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Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
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Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
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Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
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Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
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Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
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Breast Neoplasms / pathology
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Clinical Trials as Topic
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Female
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Humans
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Neoplasm Metastasis
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Receptor, ErbB-2 / biosynthesis*
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Trastuzumab
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Receptor, ErbB-2
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Trastuzumab