Herceptin Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Herceptin, including details on side-effects, breast cancer, treatment, therapy.

HER2-positive advanced breast cancer.

Robert NJ, Favret AM

US Oncology Research Network, Fairfax Northern Virginia Hematology Oncology, 8503 Arlington Boulevard, #400, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA. nicholas.robert@usoncology.com

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.

Published 21 May 2007 in Hematol Oncol Clin North Am, 21(2): 293-302.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Herceptin Research Today. All Rights Reserved.