Trastuzumab and antiestrogen therapy: focus on mechanisms of action and resistance

Am J Clin Oncol. 2006 Feb;29(1):90-5. doi: 10.1097/01.coc.0000190274.00570.0a.

Abstract

Objective: In breast cancer, 2 molecular targets are well established (ER/PR and HER2), and therapies directed to these proteins have demonstrated to be clinically useful.

Methods: Despite the presence of the ER and PR, only half of the patients will respond to endocrine therapy, and less than 35% of patients with ErbB2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer will respond to trastuzumab as a single agent.

Results: To improve survival of metastatic breast cancer patients with ER/PR positive and HER2 positive is critical to elucidate the mechanism of resistance or sensitivity of these tumors for a better selection depending on biologic molecular alterations.

Conclusions: Recently, several studies addressing this issue have been reported. Here, we will focus on a comprehensive review of the currently available data.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Estrogen Receptor Modulators / pharmacology*
  • Estrogen Receptor Modulators / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Prognosis
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / analysis
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / biosynthesis*
  • Receptors, Estrogen / analysis
  • Receptors, Progesterone / analysis
  • Survival Analysis
  • Trastuzumab
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Estrogen Receptor Modulators
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Receptors, Progesterone
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Trastuzumab