How do monoclonal antibodies like trastuzumab work in cancer treatment?

Monoclonal antibodies like trastuzumab specifically target the HER2 receptor, which is overexpressed in certain types of breast cancers. By binding to the HER2 receptor on the surface of cancer cells, trastuzumab inhibits the signaling pathways that promote cell proliferation and survival. This action leads to decreased tumor growth and enhances the effectiveness of other treatments, including chemotherapy, by marking the cancer cells for destruction by the immune system.

The mechanism of targeting the HER2 receptor is crucial in the management of HER2-positive breast cancer, making this therapeutic approach highly effective in these specific cases. Inhibiting cell proliferation through this targeted therapy contrasts with other strategies such as angiogenesis inhibition, apoptosis induction, or blocking immune checkpoints, which address different aspects of tumor biology.