What is the mechanism of progression with trastuzumab treatment--escape or resistance?

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2012;13(11):5915-6.

Abstract

Human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 2 overexpression, observed in 20-25 percent of invasive breast cancers, is well known to be associated with a more aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis, with resistance to certain chemotherapeutic agents. The majority of patients with metastatic breast cancer who initially respond to trastuzumab, demonstrate disease progression within 1 year of treatment initiation. Furthermore, lack of response in some patients and relapse during the course of therapy, continue to challenge researchers and clinicians. A better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of trastuzumab action is required so that new therapies directed at HER2 can be developed. We present here findings for mechanisms, both of Trastuzumab action and clinical resistance or escape.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Disease Progression
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Prognosis
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / metabolism*
  • Trastuzumab

Substances

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