Evaluation of HER-2/neu (erbB-2) status in breast cancer: from bench to bedside.
Molecular alterations in breast cancer are being incorporated into the development of new treatment strategies. The HER-2/neu oncogene has been extensively investigated as a prognostic factor and recently as a predictor of response to chemotherapy or endocrine therapy. The development of a humanized anti-HER-2 monoclonal antibody (Herceptin) and the encouraging results obtained in the treatment of patients with HER-2 overexpressing metastatic breast cancer with this antibody have resulted in renewed interest in HER-2/neu. This article reviews the current knowledge of HER-2/neu both as a prognostic and a predictive factor. Problems associated with the standardization of the methodology for assessing HER-2/neu status and clinically significant cut-off points are addressed.
Hanna
W
W
Health Sciences Center, Sunnybrook and Women's College, Department of Pathology, University of Toronto, Canada.
Kahn
H J
HJ
Trudeau
M
M
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D000068878:Trastuzumab
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases; D000068878:Trastuzumab