The Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (Her2) As a Prognostic and Predictive Biomarker : Molecular insights into Her2 Activation and Diagnostic Implications

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor protein. HER2 gene amplification and receptor overexpression, which occur in 15–20% of breast cancer patients, are important markers for poor prognosis. Moreover, HER2-positive status is considered a pred...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author Furrer, Daniela
Format Book Chapter
LanguageEnglish
Published IntechOpen 01.01.2018
Subjects
Medical
Nursing
Oncology & Cancer
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Summary:The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor protein. HER2 gene amplification and receptor overexpression, which occur in 15–20% of breast cancer patients, are important markers for poor prognosis. Moreover, HER2-positive status is considered a predictive marker of response to HER2 inhibitors including trastuzumab and lapatinib. Therefore, reliable HER2 determination is essential to determine the eligibility of breast cancer patients to targeted anti-HER2 therapies. In this chapter, we aim to illustrate important aspects of the HER2 receptor as well as the molecular consequences of its aberrant constitutive activation in breast cancer. In addition, we will present the methods that can be used for the evaluation of HER2 status at different levels (protein, RNA, and DNA level) in clinical practice.
Bibliography:MODID-6d55e02e354:IntechOpen
ISBN:9781789847741
1789847745
DOI:10.5772/intechopen.78271