Immunotherapy as a partner for HER2-directed therapies. Issue 7 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clifton, Guy T; Peoples, and George E
• Is Part Of: Expert review of anticancer therapy. Volume 21:Issue 7(2021)
• Page Start: 739
• Page End: 746
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: HER2 -- HER2-targeted therapy -- immunotherapy -- checkpoint inhibitors -- PD-L1 -- cancer vaccine; Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.99406
• DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1894932
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7140

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : Existing HER2-targeted therapies modulate the tumor microenvironment and the immunologic response cancer in a favorable way. While these therapies have made dramatic improvements in the treatment and prognosis of HER2-overexpressing malignancies, additional treatment options are still needed. Areas covered : This review covers the immunomodulatory effects of approved HER2-targeted therapies. We discuss the preclinical data that demonstrate an additive effect of the combination of trastuzumab or other HER2-targeting agents with immunomodulatory drugs. Finally, we report the initial studies on the combination of HER2-targeted agents together with immune checkpoint inhibitors or cancer vaccines in breast cancer. Expert opinion : Preclinical data suggest a synergistic effect of HER2-targeted therapy together with both checkpoint inhibitor and cancer vaccine immunotherapy. Results from initial trials with PD-1/PD-L1-blocking therapy together with HER2-targeted therapy have been negative, but responses were seen in patients with PD-L1+ breast cancer. Trastuzumab together with HER2-targeted cancer vaccination has shown benefits in triple negative breast cancer. Further trials are necessary and warranted to confirm the benefit of these combinations.