HER2/neu–PD-1 Combination Therapy to Overcome Cancer Resistance

The patent combines HER2/neu-targeted therapy with PD-1 checkpoint inhibition into a single treatment regimen. The anti-HER2 antibody (first molecule) and anti-PD-1 antibody (second molecule) are administered together to achieve synergistic effects, where the HER2 targeting provides direct tumor cell killing while the PD-1 inhibition enhances the immune system's ability to recognize and attack the tumor, thereby overcoming resistance and extending treatment effectiveness.

The treatment approach uses a composite therapeutic strategy combining two different mechanisms of action: direct receptor targeting (HER2/neu) and immune checkpoint blockade (PD-1). This composite approach leverages the complementary strengths of both therapies to address the limitations of either therapy used alone, particularly in overcoming resistance and maintaining long-term effectiveness.

The combined therapy approach provides universal effectiveness across different HER2/neu expression levels. The anti-PD-1 component acts as a universal enhancer that boosts immune responses regardless of the tumor's HER2 expression level. This allows the treatment to be effectively applied to both HER2/neu-overexpressing and low-expression cancers, as the immune activation mechanism operates independently of HER2 expression intensity.

The anti-PD-1 antibody serves as an intermediary that enhances the overall anti-tumor immune response. By blocking the PD-1 checkpoint, the therapy creates a more permissive environment for T-cell activation and tumor cell killing, thereby amplifying the effectiveness of the HER2-targeting component even in cancers with low HER2 expression levels.