Tumor-Initiating Cells of HER2-Positive Carcinoma Cell Lines Express the Highest Oncoprotein Levels and Are Sensitive to Trastuzumab

Abstract

Here, we provide evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of trastuzumab in debulking and in targeting tumor-initiating cells of HER2-overexpressing tumors. We also propose that Notch signaling regulates HER2 expression, thereby representing a critical survival pathway of tumor-initiating cells.