NCIt definition : A humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody directed against the extracellular dimerization
domain of the HER-2 tyrosine kinase receptor. Binding of the antibody to the dimerization
domain of the HER-2 tyrosine kinase receptor protein directly inhibits the ability
of the HER-2 tyrosine kinase receptor protein (the most common pairing partner) to
dimerize with other HER tyrosine kinase receptor proteins; inhibiting receptor protein
dimerization prevents the activation of HER signaling pathways, resulting in tumor
cell apoptosis. (NCI04);
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A monoclonal antibody that is being studied in the treatment of cancer.
Monoclonal antibodies are produced in the laboratory and can locate and bind to cancer
cells.;