We have previously reported that HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells that have beenchronically exposed to the anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody trastuzumab exhibit a bonafide up-regulation of the basal autophagic activity that efficiently operates to protectbreast cancer cells from the growth-inhibitory effects of trastuzumab [27]. The gene discussed is ERBB2; the disease is breast carcinoma.