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Ongoing and planned adjuvant trials with trastuzumab
1Division of Hematology/Oncology, Mayo Foundation and Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Abstract:
HER-2 (c-erbB-2, neu) is an important prognostic and predictive factor in breast cancer. Clinical trials utilizing a humanized version of the anti-HER-2 murine monoclonal antibody 4DS, trastuzumab (Herceptin; Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA), have shown antitumor activity in patients with HER-2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Improved response and survival rates have been shown when trastuzumab was added to first-line combination chemotherapy with anthracycline/cyclophosphamide or paclitaxel, compared to the same chemotherapy alone. The Breast Cancer Intergroup has recently completed several trials evaluating new chemotherapy treatment approaches for patients with node-positive breast cancer, which form the basis for several ongoing and planned clinical trials incorporating trastuzumab. These clinical trials and the evolving role of trastuzumab-containing adjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer will be reviewed.
Insights
Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is an effective treatment for HER-2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Adding trastuzumab to chemotherapy improves patient response and survival rates, guiding new clinical trials for breast cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Breast Cancer Research
Background:
- HER-2 (c-erbB-2, neu) is a key prognostic and predictive factor in breast cancer.
- Trastuzumab, a humanized anti-HER-2 monoclonal antibody, demonstrates antitumor activity in HER-2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical trials evaluating trastuzumab in breast cancer treatment.
- To discuss the evolving role of trastuzumab-containing adjuvant systemic therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trials from the Breast Cancer Intergroup.
- Analysis of treatment approaches for node-positive breast cancer.
- Evaluation of trastuzumab in combination chemotherapy regimens.
Main Results:
- Trastuzumab added to first-line chemotherapy (anthracycline/cyclophosphamide or paclitaxel) improved response and survival rates compared to chemotherapy alone.
- Clinical trials show trastuzumab's efficacy in HER-2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
Conclusions:
- Trastuzumab is a valuable therapeutic agent for HER-2-positive breast cancer.
- Ongoing and planned trials will further define the role of trastuzumab in adjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer.