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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 28, 2014; 20(16): 4526-4535
Published online Apr 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i16.4526
Published online Apr 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i16.4526
Role of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 in gastric cancer: Biological and pharmacological aspects
Jan Trøst Jørgensen, Dx-Rx Institute, 3480 Fredensborg, Denmark
Author contributions: Jørgensen JT contributed solely this paper.
Correspondence to: Jan Trøst Jørgensen, MSc Pharm, PhD, Dx-Rx Institute, Baunevaenget 76, 3480 Fredensborg, Denmark. jan.trost@dx-rx.dk
Telephone: +45-40-747846 Fax: +45-48-480528
Received: September 10, 2013
Revised: November 18, 2013
Accepted: January 2, 2014
Published online: April 28, 2014
Processing time: 230 Days and 16.4 Hours
Revised: November 18, 2013
Accepted: January 2, 2014
Published online: April 28, 2014
Processing time: 230 Days and 16.4 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: Amplification of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene and overexpression of the HER2 protein can be detected in 15%-20% of patients with gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. Recently, HER2 has proven to be an important target for treatment with trastuzumab in these patients, and a positive HER2 status seems to possess both prognostic and predictive properties. A number of new compounds directed towards HER2 and other members of the HER family is currently under development. This review will discuss the current status of HER2 in gastric and GEJ cancer and the future direction in relation to HER2 target therapy.