HER2-Low Breast Cancers New Opportunities and Challenges

Objectives Recent clinical trials have demonstrated significant clinical benefits from novel therapeutic compounds in breast cancer patient with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) immunohistochemical (IHC) score of 1+ or 2+ and negative in situ hybridization (ISH) result. A new concept of HER2-low breast cancer has been proposed and applied in the recent and ongoing clinical trials. In this article, we review the literature on the topic of HER2-low breast cancer. Methods A literature search in PubMed was performed using key words related to HER2-low breast cancer. Major relevant studies that were presented in international breast cancer conferences were also included. Results HER2-low breast cancer is currently defined as breast cancer with HER2 IHC score of 1+ or 2+ and negative ISH result. It likely represents a group of tumors with significant biological heterogeneity. Reports of clinical activity using the next generation of HER2-targeting antibody-drug conjugates in HER2-low breast cancers suggest that some strategies of targeting HER2 might be effective in this patient population while raising considerable concerns over limitations in our current testing methodologies and our ability to accurately identify such patients. Conclusions The promising efficacy of novel HER2-targeted therapy in advanced HER2-low breast cancers has raised the possibility for changing the clinical interpretation of HER2 status in breast cancer to include a HER2-low category; however, the definition of HER2-low breast cancer, the corresponding reliable and accurate quantitative HER2 testing methodology, and the biology of HER2-low breast cancer remain poorly defined.

Automated summary

Recent clinical trials have shown benefits in treating breast cancer with low HER2 expression, raising concerns about current testing methodologies and accurately identifying such patients. The definition and reliable testing methods for HER2-low breast cancer need further clarification. New HER2-targeted therapies have shown promise in treating HER2-low breast cancers, potentially changing the clinical interpretation of HER2 status in breast cancer.