Role of erbB2 in breast cancer chemosensitivity.
The erbB2 gene, which encodes a transmembrane growth factor receptor, is overexpressed in approximately 30% of breast cancers. Overexpressing this gene makes breast cancers resistant to certain chemotherapeutic agents. In this article, we review what is known about ErbB2-mediated chemoresistance and the controversies surrounding it. We also examine the antiapoptotic function of erbB2 as one of the molecular mechanisms of ErbB2-mediated Taxol resistance and describe several emerging strategies for overcoming intrinsic ErbB2-mediated chemoresistance. Finally, we discuss future avenues for studies of chemosensitivity in ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancers that may lead to the development of effective biology-based treatment strategies.
Yu
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Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA. dyu@notes.mdacc.tmc.edu
Hung
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D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy; D004351:Drug Resistance / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D018734:Genes, erbB-2; D006801:Humans; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068878:Trastuzumab; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014212:Tretinoin; D000068878:Trastuzumab; D017239:Paclitaxel