Description
Some breast cancer cells over-express on their surface the
onco-protein product of the proto-onco-gene HER2. Monoclonal
antibody technology has allowed the development of a
humanised monoclonal antibody (trastuzumab,
Herceptin??)* which specifically binds to this onco-protein.
This approach is now being exploited in the management of
metastatic breast cancer. Early data suggest much promise for
this approach with measurable responses in patients who
have been pre-treated with conventional chemotherapy
agents, using Herceptin both as a single agent and in
combination with taxanes. The use of Herceptin for the
treatment of metastatic breast cancer in England and Wales
was approved by the National Institute of Clinical
Excellence (NICE) in March 2002. This article reviews
the rationale and data that supports this novel therapeutic
modality.
