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Majumder A. HER3: Toward the Prognostic Significance, Therapeutic Potential, Current Challenges, and Future Therapeutics in Different Types of Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2517. [PMID: 37947595 PMCID: PMC10648638 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) is the only family member of the EGRF/HER family of receptor tyrosine kinases that lacks an active kinase domain (KD), which makes it an obligate binding partner with other receptors for its oncogenic role. When HER3 is activated in a ligand-dependent (NRG1/HRG) or independent manner, it can bind to other receptors (the most potent binding partner is HER2) to regulate many biological functions (growth, survival, nutrient sensing, metabolic regulation, etc.) through the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. HER3 has been found to promote tumorigenesis, tumor growth, and drug resistance in different cancer types, especially breast and non-small cell lung cancer. Given its ubiquitous expression across different solid tumors and role in oncogenesis and drug resistance, there has been a long effort to target HER3. As HER3 cannot be targeted through its KD with small-molecule kinase inhibitors via the conventional method, pharmaceutical companies have used various other approaches, including blocking either the ligand-binding domain or extracellular domain for dimerization with other receptors. The development of treatment options with anti-HER3 monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and different combination therapies showed limited clinical efficiency for various reasons. Recent reports showed that the extracellular domain of HER3 is not required for its binding with other receptors, which raises doubt about the efforts and applicability of the development of the HER3-antibodies for treatment. Whereas HER3-directed antibody-drug conjugates showed potentiality for treatment, these drugs are still under clinical trial. The currently understood model for dimerization-induced signaling remains incomplete due to the absence of the crystal structure of HER3 signaling complexes, and many lines of evidence suggest that HER family signaling involves more than the interaction of two members. This review article will significantly expand our knowledge of HER3 signaling and shed light on developing a new generation of drugs that have fewer side effects than the current treatment regimen for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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Swain SM, Shastry M, Hamilton E. Targeting HER2-positive breast cancer: advances and future directions. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:101-126. [PMID: 36344672 PMCID: PMC9640784 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00579-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 180.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The long-sought discovery of HER2 as an actionable and highly sensitive therapeutic target was a major breakthrough for the treatment of highly aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer, leading to approval of the first HER2-targeted drug - the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab - almost 25 years ago. Since then, progress has been swift and the impressive clinical activity across multiple trials with monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates that target HER2 has spawned extensive efforts to develop newer platforms and more targeted therapies. This Review discusses the current standards of care for HER2-positive breast cancer, mechanisms of resistance to HER2-targeted therapy and new therapeutic approaches and agents, including strategies to harness the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M. Swain
- grid.516085.f0000 0004 0606 3221Department of Medicine, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and MedStar Health, Washington, DC USA
| | - Mythili Shastry
- grid.419513.b0000 0004 0459 5478Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Erika Hamilton
- grid.419513.b0000 0004 0459 5478Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN USA ,grid.492963.30000 0004 0480 9560Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN USA
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Gandullo-Sánchez L, Ocaña A, Pandiella A. HER3 in cancer: from the bench to the bedside. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:310. [PMID: 36271429 PMCID: PMC9585794 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02515-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The HER3 protein, that belongs to the ErbB/HER receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family, is expressed in several types of tumors. That fact, together with the role of HER3 in promoting cell proliferation, implicate that targeting HER3 may have therapeutic relevance. Furthermore, expression and activation of HER3 has been linked to resistance to drugs that target other HER receptors such as agents that act on EGFR or HER2. In addition, HER3 has been associated to resistance to some chemotherapeutic drugs. Because of those circumstances, efforts to develop and test agents targeting HER3 have been carried out. Two types of agents targeting HER3 have been developed. The most abundant are antibodies or engineered antibody derivatives that specifically recognize the extracellular region of HER3. In addition, the use of aptamers specifically interacting with HER3, vaccines or HER3-targeting siRNAs have also been developed. Here we discuss the state of the art of the preclinical and clinical development of drugs aimed at targeting HER3 with therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Gandullo-Sánchez
- grid.428472.f0000 0004 1794 2467Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC, IBSAL and CIBERONC, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Alberto Ocaña
- grid.411068.a0000 0001 0671 5785Hospital Clínico San Carlos and CIBERONC, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Atanasio Pandiella
- grid.428472.f0000 0004 1794 2467Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC, IBSAL and CIBERONC, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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Hafeez U, Parslow AC, Gan HK, Scott AM. New insights into ErbB3 function and therapeutic targeting in cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 20:1057-1074. [PMID: 32981377 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2020.1829485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The importance of ErbB3 receptor tyrosine kinase in cancer progression, primary and acquired drug resistance, has become steadily evident since its discovery in 1989. ErbB3 overexpression in various solid organ malignancies is associated with shorter survival of patients. However, initial strategies to therapeutically target ErbB3 have not been rewarding. AREAS COVERED Here, we provide an overview of ErbB3 biology in carcinogenesis. We outline the role of ErbB3 as a critical pathway for resistance to other anti-cancer drugs. We focus on emerging clinical data, which will steer the potential future development of ErbB3 directed therapies. EXPERT OPINION Initial approaches to ErbB3 targeting have been challenging. However, the lack of success of anti-ErbB3 therapies in ongoing clinical trials may relate more to the complex biology of the receptor and challenges with the biomarkers used to date. Furthermore, it seems certain that the expression of the receptor per se is necessary but not sufficient for the response to ErbB3 therapies. Emerging data suggest that more sophisticated biomarkers are needed. Nonetheless, it is also likely that ErbB3 therapies may have the most efficacy in combination therapy, and their favorable toxicity profile makes this feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umbreen Hafeez
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute , Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medical Oncology, Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, Austin Health , Melbourne, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adam C Parslow
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute , Melbourne, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hui K Gan
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute , Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medical Oncology, Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, Austin Health , Melbourne, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University , Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew M Scott
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute , Melbourne, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University , Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health , Melbourne, Australia
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Jacob W, James I, Hasmann M, Weisser M. Clinical development of HER3-targeting monoclonal antibodies: Perils and progress. Cancer Treat Rev 2018; 68:111-123. [PMID: 29944978 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family consists of four transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER2, HER3, and HER4. They are part of a complex signalling network and stimulate intracellular pathways regulating cell growth and differentiation. So far, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting EGFR and HER2 have been developed and approved. Recently, focus has turned to HER3 as it may play an important role in resistance to EGFR- and HER2-targeting therapies. HER3-targeting agents have been undergoing clinical evaluation for the last 10 years and currently thirteen mAbs are in phase 1 or 2 clinical studies. Single agent activity has proven to be limited, however, the tolerability was favourable. Thus, combinations of HER3-binding mAbs with other HER-targeting therapies or chemotherapies have been pursued in various solid tumor entities. Data indicate that the HER3-binding ligand heregulin may serve as a response prediction marker for HER3-targeting therapy. Within this review the current status of clinical development of HER3-targeting compounds is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Jacob
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany.
| | - Ian James
- A4P Consulting Ltd, Discovery Park, Sandwich, UK
| | - Max Hasmann
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Martin Weisser
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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Mota JM, Collier KA, Barros Costa RL, Taxter T, Kalyan A, Leite CA, Chae YK, Giles FJ, Carneiro BA. A comprehensive review of heregulins, HER3, and HER4 as potential therapeutic targets in cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:89284-89306. [PMID: 29179520 PMCID: PMC5687690 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Heregulins (HRGs) bind to the receptors HER3 or HER4, induce receptor dimerization, and trigger downstream signaling that leads to tumor progression and resistance to targeted therapies. Increased expression of HRGs has been associated with worse clinical prognosis; therefore, attempts to block HRG-dependent tumor growth have been pursued. This manuscript summarizes the function and signaling of HRGs and review the preclinical evidence of its involvement in carcinogenesis, prognosis, and treatment resistance in several malignancies such as colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. Agents in preclinical development and clinical trials of novel therapeutics targeting HRG-dependent signaling are also discussed, including anti-HER3 and -HER4 antibodies, anti-metalloproteinase agents, and HRG fusion proteins. Although several trials have indicated an acceptable safety profile, translating preclinical findings into clinical practice remains a challenge in this field, possibly due to the complexity of downstream signaling and patterns of HRG, HER3 and HER4 expression in different cancer subtypes. Improving patient selection through biomarkers and understanding the resistance mechanisms may translate into significant clinical benefits in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Mauricio Mota
- Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Division of Oncology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katharine Ann Collier
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ricardo Lima Barros Costa
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Timothy Taxter
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Aparna Kalyan
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Caio A. Leite
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Young Kwang Chae
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Francis J. Giles
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Benedito A. Carneiro
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Targeting HER2/3 in Breast Cancer. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12609-017-0239-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Fernandez-Cuesta L, Thomas RK. Molecular Pathways: Targeting NRG1 Fusions in Lung Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 21:1989-94. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-0854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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