Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-positive breast cancer: does estrogen receptor status define two distinct subtypes?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) overexpression occurs in ∼20% of breast cancers and has historically been associated with decreased survival. Despite substantial improvements in clinical outcomes, particularly with the emergence of HER2-targeted therapy, a substantial minority of patients still relapses, and progression is inevitable in metastatic disease. Accumulating data indicate that HER2-positive disease is itself a heterogeneous entity.

Methods and results

In this article, we qualitatively review the data supporting the classification of HER2-positive disease as at least two separate entities, distinguished by estrogen receptor (ER) status. We summarize differences in clinical outcomes, including response to neoadjuvant therapy, timing and pa

SUBMITTER: Vaz-Luis I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3551479 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature