Herceptin is primarily classified as which type of therapy?

Herceptin, also known as trastuzumab, is primarily classified as targeted therapy. This classification stems from its mechanism of action, specifically its ability to target the HER2 protein, which is overexpressed in some types of breast cancer and other cancers. By binding to HER2, trastuzumab inhibits the growth of cancer cells that overexpress this protein and helps the body’s immune system to target these cancer cells.

Targeted therapy is distinct because it focuses on specific molecular targets associated with cancer, as opposed to broader approaches like chemotherapy that affect all rapidly dividing cells, including healthy ones. Immunotherapy aims to harness the body’s immune system to combat cancer, but Herceptin’s function is not centered on immune modulation; rather, it specifically disrupts the signaling pathways involved in tumor growth driven by HER2. This specificity makes targeted therapy an effective option for patients with HER2-positive cancers.