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Published in:

01-04-2013 | Conference Paper

Dual human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 blockade for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer

Authors: Ricardo H. Alvarez, Gabriel N. Hortobagyi

Published in: Breast Cancer | Issue 2/2013

Abstract

The introduction of trastuzumab into clinical practice changed the natural course of HER2-positive breast cancer. Currently, treatment with trastuzumab represents the standard of care for HER2-positive breast cancer and this treatment has been approved in the adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and metastatic settings. Besides trastuzumab, two other anti-HER2 agents—lapatinib and pertuzumab—have been approved for the treatment of HER2-positive advanced breast cancer. Strong biologic data support the concept of dual HER2 blockade, with different anti-HER2 agents demonstrating complementary mechanisms of action. Several neoadjuvant and metastatic studies performed in HER2-positive breast cancer using dual HER2 blockade have been proven to outperform anti-HER2 monotherapies. These dual combinations of agents represent a promising therapeutic strategy that is now reaching clinical practice. In this review we describe the results of studies utilizing dual blockade in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.

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Title: Dual human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 blockade for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Ricardo H. Alvarez
Gabriel N. Hortobagyi
Publication date: 01-04-2013
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Breast Cancer / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 1340-6868
Electronic ISSN: 1880-4233
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-013-0446-6

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