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HER2+ CancersAberrant expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or the closely related HER2 (ErbB2/Neu) receptor tyrosine kinase has been implicated in the formation of various human malignancies. Antibodies that block ligand binding, or interfere with receptor function, can directly inhibit the growth of cancer cells in addition to their potential to direct effector cells of the immune system to the tumour. In particular, EGFR and HER2 gene amplification and expression of elevated receptor levels have been linked with malignant transformation e.g. in cancers of the breast or head and neck tumours thereby making these receptors interesting targets for directed anti-cancer therapeutics.Using currently available HER2 targeting therapies it has been found that clinical responses cannot always be achieved in all patients with tumours expressing high HER2 levels. This suggests that other factors in addition to enhanced expression of the target receptor, such as limited recruitment of endogenous immune effector mechanisms or presence of alternative signalling pathways in tumour cells, can influence treatment outcome. In addition, since for example the 5 year relative survival rate for breast cancer patients with distant metastases is currently still only 23%, and a significant number of these breast cancers display high levels of HER2, there is still a great need for new and more effective therapeutic options for these patients. Useful links :
Pipeline
- Zemab®
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