Institute of Cancer Research, London/ Kramer-Marek*
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptors (HERs) are targeted by a growing number of inhibitors that directly block the receptors on HER-expressing tumor cells or interfere with their signaling pathways. However, HER expression is variable between tumors, and resistance against these drugs is a well-known clinical problem necessitating further research to optimize therapeutic regimes for HER-positive patients. Currently, information about the potential biomarker status is routinely obtained ex vivo from biopsy specimens. HER-targeted imaging biomarkers, on the other hand, could measure the receptor expression in vivo across the entire disease burden and help to monitor early responses to treatment. This review describes the current status of HER-specific imaging agents, with a particular focus on moving these molecular probes from early preclinical studies to clinical trials.
Author information
Kramer-Marek G1, Oyen WJ2.
1Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; and gabriela.kramer-marek@icr.ac.uk.
2Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom; and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Nuclear Medicine, London, United Kingdom.