Target HER2 in GI

HER2 is central to tumor growth and crucial to target

The HER2 pathway plays a critical role in tumor growth, and current targeted options are limited1,2

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HER2 activates pathways that drive cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. HER2 overexpression hyperactivates these pathways to fuel tumor growth3,4

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Blocking HER2 is critical to slowing tumor growth and improving patient outcomes4,5

  • HER2-positivity may be associated with worse outcomes in biliary tract cancer when targeted treatment is not used5
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Current HER2-targeted approaches, including single-site binding mAbs and mAb combinations, may offer limited activity2,6

PATIENTS WITH HER2-DRIVEN GI CANCERS DESERVE BETTER OUTCOMES

 
NEXT: Testing for HER2
Cell Cell

GI=gastrointestinal; HER2=human epidermal growth factor receptor 2; mAb=monoclonal antibody.

References

1. Bonomi M, Spada D, Baiocchi GL, Celotti A, Brighenti M, Grizzi G. Targeting HER2 in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma: molecular features and updates in clinical practice. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(7):3876. doi:10.3390/ijms25073876 2. Zhao D, Klempner SJ, Chao J. Progress and challenges in HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. J Hematol Oncol. 2019;12(1):50. doi:10.1186/s13045-019-0737-2 3. Sun Y, Puspanathan P, Lim T, Lin D. Advances and challenges in gastric cancer testing: the role of biomarkers. Cancer Biol Med. 2025;22(3):212-230. doi:10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0386 4. Li W, Zhang X, Du Y, et al. HER2-targeted advanced metastatic gastric/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: treatment landscape and future perspectives. Biomark Res. 2022;10:71. doi:10.1186/s40364-022-00416-x 5. Lee CH, Seo DH, Fox D, et al. Impact of HER2-positivity on prognosis and targeted therapeutic outcomes in advanced biliary tract cancer. Presented at: ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium; January 23-25, 2025; California, USA. 6. Fine J, Meksiriporn B, Tan J, Spangler JB. Mechanism-driven design of multispecific antibodies for targeted disease treatment. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng. doi:10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-100522-102155