Biologic Effects of HER-2/Neu Gene Overexpression and Agonists and Antagonists to the Receptor in Human Breast Cancer
Abstract
Alteration of the HER-2/neu gene has been shown to correlate with poor prognosis in patients whose tumors contain it. This led to studies from our laboratory indicating it may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease for some patients. Given that the HER-2/neu gene encodes a growth factor receptor found on the membrane of tumor cells and given its potential role in the pathogenesis of some human breast cancers, it is a logical target for the development of new therapeutic approaches directed at this alteration. Studies with monoclonal antibodies directed against the extra cellular domain of the receptor indicate that many may have significant growth inhibitory properties. Recently ligands have been identified which interact either directly or indirectly with the human HER-2/neu receptor, however little is known about the biologic effects of these molecules. There is some controversy as to whether the ligands mediate growth stimulatory or growth inhibitory effects or both. A greater understanding about the biologic effects of HER- 2/neu overexpression as well as the impact of agonists and antagonists to the receptor has been and will continue to be required to fully therapeutically exploit this gene alteration in human breast cancer. Finally, little is know about the biologic effects of other molecular alterations which may occur in combination with HER-2/neu expression such as changes in the estrogen receptor. The proposal has been conducted to expand our knowledge base regarding the role of this critical gene in human breast cancer and to determine how to exploit this information clinically.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA372028
Entities
People
- Dennis J. Slamon
Organizations
- University of California, Los Angeles