title: Monoclonal antibody-based targeted therapy in breast cancer.
abstract: Advances in molecular biology have identified tumor markers that not only predict prognosis and therapeutic response but may also function as potential therapeutic targets. Activated growth factor receptors induce breast cancer cells to proliferate, invade, and metastasize in experimental models. Overexpression of growth factor receptors has been associated with a poor clinical outcome in breast cancer patients. Biological therapy with monoclonal antibody directed against growth factor receptor pathways became important targeted therapy in breast cancer and is being pursued on various fronts. The anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab is approved in the metastatic setting and is now trying to find the place in the adjuvant setting. Phase II and III studies with antibodies directed against VEGF and EGFR are also ongoing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Kadri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Altundag
authors.forename: Francisco J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Esteva
authors.forename: Banu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Arun
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D000068878:Trastuzumab; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000068878:Trastuzumab