What is the pharmacological management for HER2 positive gastric adenocarcinoma?

The pharmacological management for HER2 positive gastric adenocarcinoma includes the use of trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the HER2 protein. HER2 positive gastric cancer is characterized by overexpression of the HER2 receptor, which is associated with a more aggressive disease course. Trastuzumab works by binding to the HER2 receptor, inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells that express this marker.

In clinical practice, trastuzumab is often used in combination with chemotherapy to enhance treatment efficacy. This combination approach leverages the synergistic effects of trastuzumab's targeted action alongside the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy agents. The recognition of HER2 status is critical in guiding the use of trastuzumab, as it is only effective in tumors that overexpress the HER2 protein.

Other treatment modalities like chemotherapy alone, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy can play roles in the management of gastric cancer but do not specifically target the HER2 protein. Hence, they are not the preferred pharmacological management for patients with HER2 positive gastric adenocarcinoma.