Article Test

Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) has classically been associated with decreased overall survival. HER2-positive breast cancer makes up about 15-20% of breast cancers. Overall survival and progression-free survival of HER2 breast cancers have increased due to advancements in therapies. Trastuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, targets HER2 in patients with overexpression. When combined with anthracyclines, which has been the treatment of choice for many years, there is increased cardiotoxicity. Since the discovery of trastuzumab, there have been a myriad of novel agents that target HER2 receptors, however little is known about the cardiotoxic effects of these novel agents. In this review, we describe clinical trials using novel anti-HER2 agents for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer and the frequency and severity of cardiotoxicity of these agents.