Pertuzumab for the treatment of ovarian cancer

Importance of the field: Pertuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) heterodimerization and has demonstrated clinical activity against both breast and ovarian cancer. To date, it is the most extensively studied HER2 inhibitor in ovarian cancer. Areas covered in this review: We focus on the published descriptions of preclinical and clinical activity in ovarian cancer and biomarkers associated with response. We compare the activity of pertuzumab with that of other clinically evaluated HER2 inhibitors. What the reader will gain: To date, pertuzumab is the most extensively trialled HER2 inhibitor in ovarian cancer, with almost 400 patients having been treated in three large Phase II studies. Recent clinical trials data indicate that pertuzumab enhances gemcitabine's activity in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and may enhance carboplatin's activity in platinum-sensitive disease; moreover the subgroup who benefit from pertuzumab appear to be those with cancers with activated HER2 or low HER3 mRNA expression. This review examines the recent clinical trials results and associated preclinical studies that support the utility of pertuzumab in this disease. Take home message: Pertuzumab may have value for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Further prospective biomarker-led trials are warranted.