Exploring Targeted Therapy for HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women as well as the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women in the United States. One in eight U.S. women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and an estimated 6% of those initially diagnosed with cancer have metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer tends to be more aggressive than other types. HER2+ breast cancer accounts for 15% to 20% of all breast cancers. Although HER2+ MBC remains incurable, the development of a variety of targeted therapies has had a significant impact on patient care by slowing disease progression, improving clinical outcomes, and prolonging overall survival.