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.

Bs23 targeted therapy.

Bundred NJ

Manchester, United Kingdom.

Breast cancer has led the way in developing drugs for targets (e.g. oestrogen receptor) since the initial excitement over the benefit of Tamoxifen and more latterly, Aromatase Inhibitors (AI's) research has focussed on finding novel agents to other targets. The HER2 oncoprotein is targeted extracellularly by Herceptin with an appropriate 50% reduction in breast cancer recurrence in 4 major trials. Newer agents, such as the HER1/HER2 inhibitor, Lapatinib, are currently entering clinical trials. Problems arise when the target (e.g. HER1) does not reflect the growth drive of a tumour. Thus, targeted therapy to the HER1 receptor has largely been unsuccessful in breast cancer. Biological subtypes will help to improve trial development and identify which patients need which therapies. Importantly, it will allow rational development of combination therapies within subgroups. Newer agents becoming available include progesterone receptor antagonists and Src inhibitors which may only be effective in tumours expressing the receptor (i.e. luminal A or triple negative cancers respectively). Potential benefits of targeted therapy on breast cancer treatment will be discussed.

Published 10 May 2007 in ANZ J Surg, 77: A6.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

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