Self-Study 2025 Release I: Targeting HER2 in Non-Breast Solid Tumors

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/erbB2) is a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in cell growth and differentiation. HER2 alterations, such as overexpression, amplification, or mutations, are linked to aggressive tumor behavior, higher recurrence rates, poorer prognosis, and reduced effectiveness to standard chemotherapy. HER2 alterations can be found across various solid tumors, including breast, colorectal, biliary tract, and lung cancers. HER2 directed therapies have been considered a mainstay in HER2 amplified breast cancer for many years. As a result of their effectiveness in the treatment of breast cancer, extensive research has been conducted to look at anti-HER2 therapy in a variety of disease states. Due to the varying incidence, behavior, and type of HER2 alterations among different cancers, targeted HER2 therapies are increasingly important for improving patient outcomes due to the likelihood that these patients will progress on currently available standard therapies.