What to expect from HER-2 directed therapies in advanced gastric cancer?

Abstract

Gastric cancer is the second most common cause of cancerrelated death worldwide. Over 20% of the advanced gastriccancer are considered to be HER-2 positive. Studiesinvestigating the prognosis of HER-2 positive advancedgastric cancer revealed conflicting results. Trastuzumab, amonoclonal antibody against HER-2, has shown a significantclinical activity in HER-2 positive gastric cancer patients. Inthis review, I will briefly summarize the clinical studies ofanti-HER-2 therapies performed in HER-2 positive gastriccarcinoma.Keywords: Gastric cancer, HER-2/neu, Targeted therapy