Role of pertuzumab in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer

le of pertuzumab in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer Review (2654) Total Article Views Authors: Hubalek M, Brantner C, Marth C Published Date May 2012 Volume 2012:4 Pages 65 - 73 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/BCTT.S23560 Received: 01 March 2012 Accepted: 13 March 2012 Published: 28 May 2012 Michael Hubalek, Christine Brantner, Christian Marth Brustgesundheitzentrum Tirol, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria Abstract: Pertuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody to the HER2 receptor, represents a promising new anti-HER2 agent with a novel mechanism of action targeting the inhibition of HER2 dimerization. Nonclinical and clinical data to date indicate that pertuzumab provides a broader HER2 blockade through the inhibition of HER2 heterodimerization. In preclinical experiments, pertuzumab has demonstrated superior antitumor effects when combined with other anti-HER2 treatments such as trastuzumab, compared to when used as monotherapy. Trastuzumab and pertuzumab monoclonal antibodies bind to distinct epitopes on the HER2 receptor without competing with each other, resulting in distinctive mechanisms for disrupting HER2 signaling. These mechanisms are complementary and result in augmented therapeutic efficacy when pertuzumab and trastuzumab are given in combination. Clinically, pertuzumab may have optimal therapeutic effects when given to patients with HER2-positive cancers, in combination with trastuzumab. This observation is supported by recent clinical trials in the metastatic as well as neoadjuvant setting. Intravenous pertuzumab had an acceptable tolerability profile when added to trastuzumab and chemotherapy. This overview will review recent advances in the clinical development of this HER2-targeted therapy.