title: HER2-positive advanced breast cancer.
abstract: It is important when treating a patient who has advanced breast cancer to establish the biologic characteristics of the tumor. In addition to knowing the hormone receptor status (estrogen and progesterone), human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2) should be evaluated. The measurement of this parameter is essential to optimizing the systemic management. This article reviews the biology of HER2, testing for HER2, clinical studies evaluating HER2-based therapies, side effects (specifically cardiotoxicity), and strategies for HER2-based therapies.
authors.affiliation: US Oncology Research Network, Fairfax Northern Virginia Hematology Oncology, 8503 Arlington Boulevard, #400, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA. nicholas.robert@usoncology.com
authors.forename: Nicholas J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Robert
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Favret
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000068878:Trastuzumab; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases; D000068878:Trastuzumab