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Molecular Pathology of Breast Cancer pp 59–70Cite as

Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2): Translating the Lab to the Clinic

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Abstract

The overexpression/amplification of HER2 has been classically associated with poor outcomes in breast cancer. However, with the advent of targeted therapies this may no longer be the case. A number of agents that are directed at the HER2 molecule or downstream of it have now become available. Evidence from clinical trials seems to suggest that these agents are potent. More importantly, they exert an additive/synergistic effect resulting in improved patient outcomes. In this chapter, we review the available evidence for the use of these agents in metastatic and early breast cancer. We also briefly discuss the mechanisms that have been implicated in the development of resistance to anti-HER2 therapies.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA

    Cesar Santa-Maria, Sarika Jain & William J. Gradishar

  2. 676, North St. Clair, #850, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    William J. Gradishar

Authors
  1. Cesar Santa-Maria
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  2. Sarika Jain
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  3. William J. Gradishar
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Correspondence to William J. Gradishar .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

    Sunil Badve

  2. Indiana University School of Medicine, Dept of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

    Yesim Gökmen-Polar

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Santa-Maria, C., Jain, S., Gradishar, W.J. (2016). Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2): Translating the Lab to the Clinic. In: Badve, S., Gökmen-Polar, Y. (eds) Molecular Pathology of Breast Cancer. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41761-5_5

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