Molecular characteristics and advances in precision therapeutics for HR-positive and HER2-low breast cancer - Report - MDSpire

Molecular characteristics and advances in precision therapeutics for HR-positive and HER2-low breast cancer

  • By

  • Yu Xia

  • Jiawei Song

  • Haiyan Zhang

  • Shiwei Liu

  • Jing Luo

  • July 17, 2026

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Clinical Report: Molecular Features and Progress in Targeted Therapies for HR-Positive, HER2-Low Breast Cancer

Overview

HR-positive HER2-low-expressing breast cancer represents a significant subtype, accounting for nearly 60% of breast cancer cases. This report discusses advancements in diagnostic technologies and treatment strategies.

Background

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignant tumor among women globally, with increasing incidence rates. The evolution of HER2 classification from a binary system to include HER2-low expression has implications for diagnosis and treatment.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • HR-positive HER2-low breast cancer accounts for nearly 60% of breast cancer cases.
  • This subtype is characterized by the dominance of the estrogen receptor pathway and low HER2 expression.
  • Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization are standard methods for HER2 status assessment.
  • Trastuzumab deruxtecan has shown significant efficacy in HER2-low breast cancer.
  • Endocrine therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, with CDK4/6 inhibitors as the standard for advanced first-line therapy.
  • Future research should focus on new biomarkers and optimizing combination therapy strategies.

Clinical Implications

The shift towards recognizing HER2-low expression necessitates updated diagnostic protocols and treatment strategies. Clinicians should consider the integration of new therapies like trastuzumab deruxtecan in managing HR-positive HER2-low breast cancer.

Conclusion

HR-positive HER2-low breast cancer has entered an era of personalized treatment guided by molecular characteristics, highlighting the need for ongoing research and clinical adaptation.

Related Resources & Content

  1. ASCO Post, Complexities of Targeting HER2 in Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancers, 2015 -- Complexities of Targeting HER2 in Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancers
  2. ASCO Post, High-Risk, HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Treatment Options, 2020 -- High-Risk, HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Treatment Options
  3. CAP Cancer Protocols Summary of Changes, 2025 -- CAP Cancer Protocols Summary of Changes
  4. US Food and Drug Administration Approval Summary, Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2025 -- Trastuzumab Deruxtecan for the Treatment of Adult Patients With Hormone Receptor–Positive, Unresectable or Metastatic Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Low or Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Ultralow Breast Cancer
  5. Trastuzumab Deruxtecan after Endocrine Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer, New England Journal of Medicine, 2024 -- Trastuzumab Deruxtecan after Endocrine Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer
  6. The ASCO Post — Complexities of Targeting HER2 in Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancers
  7. The ASCO Post — Novel Strategies Emerging for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
  8. CAP Cancer Protocols Summary of Changes
  9. US Food and Drug Administration Approval Summary: Trastuzumab Deruxtecan for the Treatment of Adult Patients With Hormone Receptor–Positive, Unresectable or Metastatic Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Low or Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Ultralow Breast Cancer | Journal of Clinical Oncology
  10. Trastuzumab Deruxtecan after Endocrine Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer | New England Journal of Medicine

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