Strategies to Combat Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Resistance in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

Crit Rev Oncog. 2020;25(3):209-231. doi: 10.1615/CritRevOncog.2020036417.

Abstract

The discovery of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and its role in breast cancer led to the development of the first targeted antibody treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer. This treatment breakthrough led to remarkable improvements in both early and late survival. Unfortunately, not all patients with HER2 breast cancer responded positively; some have innate resistance to treatment and others develop resistance over time. In this review, we discuss some research that is currently underway to understand HER2 resistance and strategies in overcoming it.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Trastuzumab / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • ERBB2 protein, human
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Trastuzumab