Immunological Therapy of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Besides radio- and chemotherapy, antibodies are one of the most effective substances in breast cancer therapy. Trastuzumab is the first humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically targets human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (Her-2/neu) breast cancer cells, which are overexpressed in about 20-25% of breast carcinomas. For tumors overexpressing Her-2/neu, trastuzumab is applied as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapies. Its application is an established part of systemic therapy in metastastic breast cancer, and data on its use in the adjuvant setting show significantly better relapse-free survival. The vascular endothelial growth factor-specific antibody bevacizumab shows good results if applied in the metastatic situation. Further antibodies (cetuximab) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (gefitinib, erlotinib, lapatinib) are currently under evaluation in studies. © Springer Medizin Verlag 2006.