HER2. a 'predictive factor' ready to use in the daily management of breast cancer patients?
The past few years have witnessed an exponential increase in studies trying to identify molecular markers in patients with breast tumours that might predict for the success or failure of hormonal therapy or chemotherapy. HER2, a tyrosine kinase membrane receptor of the epidermal growth factor receptor family, has been the most widely studied marker in this respect. This paper attempts to critically review to what extent HER2 may improve 'treatment individualisation' for the breast cancer patient.
Piccart
M J
MJ
Institut Jules Bordet, Unite de Chimiotherapie, Rue Héger Bordet 1, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium. mpiccart@ulb.ac.be
Di Leo
A
A
Hamilton
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A
D018943:Anthracyclines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000627:therapeutic use
D018943:Anthracyclines; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002945:Cisplatin; D005472:Fluorouracil; D008727:Methotrexate; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases; D013629:Tamoxifen