VRP-HER2 + trastuzumab

VRP-HER2 + trastuzumab is an investigational combination therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer. The combination consists of: - **VRP-HER2**: a vaccine based on alphavirus-derived virus-like replicon particles (VRPs) encoding the human HER2/neu antigen. It is designed to stimulate an immune response against HER2-expressing tumor cells by presenting the HER2 antigen and activating both cellular and humoral immunity. - **Trastuzumab**: a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to domain IV of the extracellular region of the HER2 receptor, inhibiting downstream signaling pathways, inducing cell cycle arrest, and mediating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). The rationale for combining these agents is to enhance anti-tumor immune responses by both directly targeting tumor cells with trastuzumab and stimulating endogenous immunity against HER2 via vaccination. This approach aims to improve outcomes in patients with advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who may have developed resistance to standard therapies.