Trastuzumab (herceptin) for early-stage breast cancer

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2007 Apr;21(2):239-56. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2007.03.003.

Abstract

Breast cancer patients who have HER2 gene amplification and, consequently, protein overexpression, generally show an aggressive course with short disease-free and overall survivals. Trastuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against the extracellular domain of HER2 protein, has been shown to benefit patients who have HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, and recently, the results of five adjuvant trials involving more than 13,000 women have been released. Here, the authors summarize the main results and outline the differences among these trials, which have demonstrated an important role of trastuzumab in the treatment of women who have HER2-overexpressing/amplified early breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / biosynthesis
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics
  • Trastuzumab
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

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