The HER-2/neu oncogene: prognostic factor, predictive factor and target for therapy.
The HER-2/neu oncogene encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor with extensive homology to the epidermal growth factor receptor. HER-2/neu has been widely studied in breast cancer. The potential value of HER-2/neu status for the prediction of disease outcome and response to therapy in breast cancer is presented in the light of a series of recently published studies showing a range of impact on the outcome of patients treated with hormonal, cytotoxic and radiation therapies. This review includes the application of serum-based HER-2/neu testing and the use of antibody-based therapies directed against the HER-2/neu protein and their potential to become a new modality for breast cancer treatment.
Ross
J S
JS
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, MA, NY 12208, USA.
Fletcher
J A
JA
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D018567:Breast Neoplasms, Male / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D018734:Genes, erbB-2 / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics
D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases