Molecular targeted therapies for breast cancer treatment

Abstract

Targeting the oestrogen receptor, HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) and vascular endothelial growth factor has markedly improved breast cancer therapy. New targeted therapeutic approaches to induction of apoptosis or inhibition of antiapoptosis, cell cycle progression, signal transduction and angiogenesis are described. The molecular pathways and their inhibitory or repair mechanisms are discussed in the preclinical and clinical settings. © 2008 BioMed Central Ltd.