The role of trastuzumab in the management of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer: an updated review

Breast Cancer. 2009;16(4):295-300. doi: 10.1007/s12282-009-0142-8. Epub 2009 Jul 17.

Abstract

Currently, trastuzumab is one of the key drugs in the treatment strategy for HER2-positive breast cancer. Although metastatic breast cancer is unlikely to be cured, some HER2-positive patients have survived for a long time with complete response to trastuzumab therapy. In HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, single agent trastuzumab is effective and less toxic. Combination of trastuzumab with cytotoxic drugs is also effective. Therefore, major guidelines recommend using trastuzumab as a key drug in the management of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. However, many clinical questions still need to be solved. In this article, recent evidence was reviewed to find some answers about these issues.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / metabolism*
  • Trastuzumab

Substances

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