Role of trastuzumab emtansine in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer.

ABSTRACT: Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that is used in the treatment of breast cancer. Trastuzumab targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptor on breast cancer cells that express this tyrosine kinase receptor. These cancers are referred to as HER2-positive breast cancer. The original studies of trastuzumab showed improved survival in metastatic breast cancer; however, resistance often develops. In the adjuvant setting, women often progress despite therapy that includes trastuzumab. Antibody-drug conjugates are a new class of powerful drugs designed to target high-dose chemotherapy directly to the cancer cells. Trastuzumab emtansine is one of these antibody-drug conjugates and was the first Food and Drug Administration approved drug for a solid tumor. Emtansine is a p

SUBMITTER: Oostra DR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4112743 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature