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Clinical experience with trastuzumab (herceptin)
Charles L Vogel1, Sandra X Franco
1Cancer Research Network, Inc., Plantation, Florida 33324, USA. drcvogel@aol.com
The Breast Journal
|November 18, 2003
Summary
Trastuzumab, a targeted therapy for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, offers durable remissions and a mild side effect profile. Ongoing trials explore its combinations with various agents for enhanced efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Trastuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the HER2/neu oncogene.
- It represents a significant advancement in treating HER2-amplified metastatic breast cancer, affecting 15-20% of patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and safety of Trastuzumab in metastatic breast cancer.
- To discuss its use as a single agent and in combination therapies.
- To highlight ongoing research into novel combination treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial data for Trastuzumab.
- Analysis of combination regimens including chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and biologic agents.
- Assessment of patient outcomes, including remission duration and side effect profiles.
Main Results:
- Trastuzumab demonstrates encouraging results as a single agent and in combination with various chemotherapeutics.
- Durable remissions exceeding 5 years have been observed.
- The side effect profile is generally mild, with manageable cardiac toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Trastuzumab is a valuable targeted therapy for HER2-amplified metastatic breast cancer.
- Combination therapies show promise, with ongoing trials investigating diverse treatment strategies.
- Careful consideration of combination regimens, particularly with anthracyclines outside clinical trials, is advised.