Abstract
BACKGROUND: The human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (Her-2) is a membrane-bound tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed in about 15% of gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas. Since recently the first anti-Her-2 targeted therapy (trastuzumab) in combination with standard chemotherapy was approved for the treatment of metastatic and locally advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Review of the literature. RESULTS: This review gives an overview on the pathobiology of Her-2 and its therapeutical implications in gastroesophageal cancer. Special emphasis is placed on the clinical relevant issues of Her-2 testing and biopsy sampling. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-Her-2 targeted therapies offer novel therapeutic opportunities in advanced stage gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas. With the possible extension of the approval of Her-2 targeted therapies also to the perioperative setting and the possible introduction of alternative Her-2 targeting substances to trastuzumab, Her-2 will stay a highly relevant topic in the treatment of gastroesophageal cancer.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
