Vol 3, No 3 (2007)
Review paper
Published online: 2007-05-24
Targeted therapy - the new hopes in breast cancer treatment
Onkol. Prak. Klin 2007;3(3):128-134.
Abstract
Mechanisms of targeted therapies include inhibition of specific tumor-related cellular processes such as
invasion, proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. In breast cancer these compounds block two major
signal pathways: related to receptors for epidermal and vascular endothelial growth factors. Active targeted
agents include either monoclonal antibodies blocking selected extracellular receptors or their ligands,
or low-molecular kinase tyrosine inhibitors (TKI) blocking intracellular receptor domains. The only currently
available targeted compound in breast cancer is a monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Hereptin® Genentech/
Roche), used in advanced HER2-positive breast cancer either as a single agent or in combination
with chemotherapy. In the EU countries and in the USA trastuzumab is also approved in the adjuvant
setting in HER2-positive patients. Anticancer activity has also been demonstrated for bevacizumab (Avastin®
Genentech/Roche), a monoclonal antibody with antiangiogenic activity, and for lapatinib (Tycerb® Glaxo
Smith Kline), a small-molecule kinase inhibitor. These drugs, however, are still the subject of clinical
investigations. Targeted therapies are a promising and rapidly developing treatment option in breast
cancer, however their availability is still limited by high costs.
Keywords: targeted therapyreceptorsEGFVEGFangiogenesistrastuzumabbevacizumablapatinibsmall-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors