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The use of HER2 modulation in the adjuvant setting

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Abstract

Amplification of theher-2/neu gene is associated with poor prognosis in patients with early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. Trastuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the HER2 protein, which is overexpressed in approximately 25% of patients with primary invasive breast cancer. Randomized phase III clinical trials showed that administration of trastuzumab in combination with chemotherapy or following chemotherapy significantly improves disease-free and overall survival rates in patients with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer. The integration of trastuzumab in the adjuvant setting is changing the natural history of HER2-driven breast cancer from one of the worst subtypes to one that is highly curable with available therapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Breast Medical Oncology and Molecular & Cellular Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1354, 77230-1439, Houston, TX, USA

    Francisco J. Esteva MD, PhD

Authors
  1. Peter H. Johnson MD
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  2. Francisco J. Esteva MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Francisco J. Esteva MD, PhD.

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Johnson, P.H., Esteva, F.J. The use of HER2 modulation in the adjuvant setting. Curr Oncol Rep 9, 9–16 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02951420

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02951420

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