Mechanisms of resistance to HER2-targeted therapies in HER2-amplified uterine serous carcinoma, and strategies to overcome it

Discov Med. 2018 Aug;26(141):39-50.

Abstract

Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) is an aggressive subtype of endometrial cancer that accounts for up to 40% of all endometrial cancer-related deaths. Recent whole-exome sequencing studies have revealed HER2/neu amplification in 27-44% of USC patients, supporting HER2 as an attractive pathway for target therapies based on monoclonal antibodies or tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Preclinical studies and a recently published prospective randomized trial with trastuzumab in combination with chemotherapy demonstrated promising results with anti-HER2-targeted therapies in advanced and recurrent USC patients. In contrast, single-agent trastuzumab or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (i.e., lapatinib) were unable to demonstrate significant clinical activity and/or durable tumor growth inhibition. Combinatorial therapies may represent novel, highly effective therapeutic strategies to overcome inborn or acquired resistance to HER2/neu-targeted therapies in HER2-amplified USC patients. This study presents a comprehensive review of the mechanisms of USC resistance to HER2-targeted therapies and potential strategies to overcome it.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous / genetics
  • Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous / therapy*
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Oncogenes
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / metabolism*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / genetics
  • Uterine Neoplasms / therapy*

Substances

  • Receptor, ErbB-2