interleukin-12 + paclitaxel + trastuzumab

This is a combination therapy consisting of three agents: - **Interleukin-12 (IL-12):** A recombinant cytokine that stimulates the immune system, particularly enhancing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. IL-12 promotes the production of interferon-gamma and has been investigated as an immunotherapeutic agent in cancer. - **Paclitaxel:** A small molecule chemotherapeutic agent that stabilizes microtubules, thereby inhibiting cell division and inducing apoptosis in rapidly dividing tumor cells. It is widely used for various cancers, including breast cancer. - **Trastuzumab:** A humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the HER2/neu receptor (ERBB2), overexpressed in some breast cancers. Trastuzumab inhibits HER2-mediated signaling pathways, leading to reduced proliferation and survival of tumor cells. The combination aims to leverage direct cytotoxic effects (paclitaxel), targeted inhibition of HER2-positive tumor growth (trastuzumab), and immune system activation (interleukin-12). While paclitaxel plus trastuzumab is a well-established regimen for HER2-positive breast cancer[1][3][4][6], adding interleukin-12 represents an investigational approach intended to further enhance antitumor immunity.