Trastuzumab.
Breast cancer is a heterogenous disease with several clinical and biologic subtypes. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER 2) is overexpressed in approximately 20% of breast cancers. This overexpression is usually due to HER 2 gene amplification, and results in a more aggressive tumor with a worse prognosis. Trastuzumab (Herceptin((R))) is the first humanized monoclonal antibody to be commercially available for the treatment of breast cancer and it is directed against HER 2. Trials have demonstrated trastuzumab's activity in metastatic breast cancer both as a single agent and in combination with a number of chemotherapy agents. Recently, benefits for trastuzumab have also been shown in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting.
Breast Unit, Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road,London, SW3 6JJ, UK. ian.smith@rmh.nthames.nhs.uk.
Ian E
IE
Smith
Susan G
SG
Cross