Innovativeness in breast cancer: The prime example of anti-HER2 agents

Abstract

Since the identification of HER2 in breast cancer pathogenesis and the introduction of the first drugs targeting this receptor, the humanized monoclonal antibody trastuzumab and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib, many advances have been made in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer that have led to a progressive improvement in the outcome of patients with early and advanced breast cancer. One of the major achievements is the development of dual HER2 blockade strategies. Evidence from the neoadjuvant and metastatic setting suggests that by combining trastuzumab with other anti-HER2 drugs such as lapatinib or the humanized monoclonal antibody pertuzumab, the efficacy of treatment may be further improved.