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Developments in the Management of Metastatic HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: A Review
Julie Lebert1,2,3, Evan J Lilly1,2,3,4
1Department of Oncology, Bluewater Health, Sarnia, ON N7T 6S3, Canada.
Abstract:
Approximately 20% of breast cancers overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), providing an actionable target for many different therapies. In the metastatic setting, prognosis has improved greatly with the use of anti-HER2 drugs such as trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and trastuzumab-emtansine. In the third line setting and beyond, several emerging treatments have shown benefits, including novel small molecule targeted agents and antibody-drug conjugates. Systemic treatment of brain metastases in HER2-positive patients and the role of endocrine-based treatment for patients with hormone receptor (HR) positive disease remain areas of research interest. This article will review the current approach to systemic management of metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer in Canada, and present novel treatments that may be available in the near future.
Insights
New treatments are improving outcomes for metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. This review covers current Canadian therapies and emerging options for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Therapeutics
Background:
- Approximately 20% of breast cancers exhibit human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression, presenting a therapeutic target.
- Significant advancements in anti-HER2 therapies like trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and trastuzumab-emtansine have improved outcomes for metastatic disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current systemic management strategies for metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer in Canada.
- To discuss emerging novel treatments, including targeted agents and antibody-drug conjugates, for advanced HER2-positive breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current treatment guidelines and clinical trial data.
- Analysis of emerging therapeutic modalities for HER2-positive breast cancer.
Main Results:
- Established anti-HER2 therapies have greatly improved prognosis in the metastatic setting.
- Novel small molecule targeted agents and antibody-drug conjugates show promise in later lines of therapy.
Conclusions:
- Systemic treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer in Canada is evolving with new therapeutic options.
- Further research is needed, particularly for brain metastases and hormone receptor-positive disease.
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