The challenging estrogen receptor-negative/ progesterone receptor-negative/HER-2-negative patient: a promising candidate for epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted therapy?

Breast J. 2006 Jul-Aug;12(4):360-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1075-122X.2006.00276.x.

Abstract

While epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy has been very promising in a number of human malignancies, to date these targeted biologic agents have not proven effective in breast cancer. However, the EGFR tyrosinase inhibitors have been used indiscriminately against all types of breast tumors, perhaps missing a subpopulation of patients who may be prime candidates for EGFR-targeted therapy. In this communication we propose that patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-negative/progesterone receptor (PR)-negative/HER-2-negative tumors, which currently present a therapeutic challenge for the oncologist, may be the subgroup of breast cancer patients that might benefit from specific EGFR-targeted therapies.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Estrogen / metabolism
  • Receptors, Progesterone / metabolism

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Receptors, Progesterone
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Receptor, ErbB-2