Trastuzumab

Definition

Trastuzumab is a targeted monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. By specifically binding to the HER2 receptor on cancer cells, it inhibits their growth and promotes apoptosis, making it a crucial component in the therapeutic regimen for patients with this aggressive form of cancer.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Trastuzumab is often used in combination with chemotherapy to enhance its effectiveness in treating HER2-positive breast cancer.
2. The drug is administered intravenously or subcutaneously, allowing for flexible dosing based on patient needs.
3. Trastuzumab has been shown to significantly improve overall survival rates and reduce the risk of recurrence in HER2-positive breast cancer patients.
4. Common side effects include fever, chills, and infusion-related reactions, but more serious risks like cardiac dysfunction may occur in some patients.
5. Resistance to trastuzumab can develop, leading to ongoing research into combination therapies and newer agents targeting the same pathway.

Review Questions

• How does trastuzumab specifically target and affect HER2-positive breast cancer cells?
  • Trastuzumab works by binding to the HER2 receptor on the surface of cancer cells, effectively blocking its signaling pathways that promote cell division and growth. This action not only prevents further proliferation but also initiates processes that lead to apoptosis, or programmed cell death. By targeting HER2-positive cells specifically, trastuzumab provides a more tailored approach to treatment, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
• Discuss the significance of combining trastuzumab with chemotherapy in the treatment regimen for breast cancer.
  • Combining trastuzumab with chemotherapy enhances treatment effectiveness by utilizing two mechanisms: one that targets HER2 directly and another that attacks rapidly dividing cells indiscriminately. This synergistic effect can improve patient outcomes significantly by reducing tumor size more effectively than either treatment alone. Additionally, it may help overcome resistance mechanisms that tumors might develop against single-agent therapies.
• Evaluate the challenges associated with resistance to trastuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer treatment and potential strategies to overcome it.
  • Resistance to trastuzumab can arise due to various mechanisms, such as mutations in the HER2 gene or activation of alternative signaling pathways that bypass HER2 inhibition. This poses significant challenges in achieving long-term responses in patients. To combat this, researchers are exploring combination therapies that include newer agents targeting other receptors involved in growth signaling or utilizing drugs that target the immune system to enhance overall anti-tumor activity. Continuous investigation into these strategies is essential for improving outcomes for patients facing resistance.

Related terms

HER2: A protein that can promote the growth of cancer cells; in some cancers, particularly breast cancer, high levels of HER2 are associated with a more aggressive disease.

monoclonal antibody: A type of therapy that uses antibodies made in the laboratory to target specific antigens on cells, primarily used for treating various types of cancers.

apoptosis: The process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms, which can be triggered by certain cancer therapies to eliminate malignant cells.