Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Efficacy and Safety of HER2-Targeted Agents for Breast Cancer with HER2-Overexpression: A Network Meta-Analysis
Qiuyan Yu1, Zhenli Zhu1, Yan Liu1
1Department of Public Health, Shantou University Medical College, No.22 Xinling Road, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China.
Background:
Clinical trials of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted agents added to standard treatment have been efficacious for HER2-positive (HER2+) advanced breast cancer. To our knowledge, no meta-analysis has evaluated HER2-targeted therapy including trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) and pertuzumab for HER2-positive breast caner and ranked the targeted treatments. We performed a network meta-analysis of both direct and indirect comparisons to evaluate the effect of adding HER2-targeted agents to standard treatment and examined side effects.
Methods:
We performed a Bayesian-framework network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to compare 6 HER2-targeted treatment regimens and 1 naïve standard treatment (NST, without any-targeted drugs) in targeted treatment of HER2+ breast cancer in adults. These treatment regimens were T-DM1, LC (lapatinib), HC (trastuzumab), PEC (pertuzumab), LHC (lapatinib and trastuzumab), and PEHC (pertuzumab and trastuzumab). The main outcomes were overall survival and response rates. We also examined side effects of rash, LVEF (left ventricular ejection fraction), fatigue, and gastrointestinal disorders, and performed subgroup analysis for the different treatment regimens in metastatic or advanced breast cancer.
Results:
We identified 25 articles of 21 trials, with data for 11,276 participants. T-DM1 and PEHC were more efficient drug regimens with regard to overall survival as compared with LHC, LC, HC and PEC. The incidence of treatment-related rash occurs more frequently in the patients who received LC treatment regimen than PEHC and T-DM1 and HC. In subgroup analysis, T-DM1 was associated with increased overall survival as compared with LC and HC. PEHC was associated with increased overall response as compared with LC, HC, and NST.
Conclusions:
Overall, the regimen of T-DM1 as well as pertuzumab in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel is efficacious with fewer side effects as compared with other regimens, especially for advanced HER2+ breast cancer.
Impact:
This study suggests that both T-DM1 and PEHC therapy are potentially and equally useful treatments for HER2+ breast cancer.
Insights
Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) and pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel (PEHC) show efficacy for HER2-positive advanced breast cancer. These regimens offer improved overall survival and response rates compared to other treatments, with manageable side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- HER2-targeted therapies improve outcomes in HER2-positive advanced breast cancer.
- Previous meta-analyses have not comprehensively evaluated or ranked newer agents like T-DM1 and pertuzumab.
- This study addresses the need for a comparative analysis of HER2-targeted treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a network meta-analysis comparing six HER2-targeted regimens plus standard treatment against standard treatment alone.
- To evaluate and rank the efficacy of these regimens based on overall survival and response rates.
- To examine and compare the incidence of specific side effects across different treatment regimens.
Main Methods:
- Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving 11,276 participants.
- Comparison of six HER2-targeted regimens (T-DM1, LC, HC, PEC, LHC, PEHC) and one standard treatment (NST).
- Assessment of overall survival, response rates, and side effects including rash, LVEF changes, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
Main Results:
- Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) and pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel (PEHC) demonstrated superior overall survival compared to LHC, LC, HC, and PEC.
- PEHC showed improved overall response rates versus LC, HC, and NST.
- LC treatment was associated with a higher incidence of rash compared to PEHC and T-DM1.
Conclusions:
- T-DM1 and PEHC are highly efficacious treatment regimens for HER2-positive advanced breast cancer.
- These regimens offer improved survival and response rates with comparatively fewer side effects.
- Both T-DM1 and PEHC represent potentially equally useful therapeutic options for patients.
More Related Videos
11:34Building Up a High-throughput Screening Platform to Assess the Heterogeneity of HER2 Gene Amplification in Breast Cancers
Published on: December 5, 2017
08:28Validated Immunochemical Assay for Comprehensive Determination of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Released from and Bound to Cells
Published on: May 9, 2025
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:12Hazard Ratio
For example, in a clinical trial...