HER-2, notch, and breast cancer stem cells: targeting an axis of evil

Clin Cancer Res. 2009 Mar 15;15(6):1845-7. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-08-3087. Epub 2009 Mar 10.

Abstract

Increasing evidence indicates that tumor-initiating (cancer stem) cells may contribute to treatment resistance and relapse, suggesting that improved clinical outcome will require effective targeting of this cell population. Recent studies suggest that the remarkable clinical efficacy of trastuzumab may relate to its ability to target cancer stem cell populations.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / physiology*
  • Receptors, Notch / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Trastuzumab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Receptors, Notch
  • ERBB2 protein, human
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Trastuzumab