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Current Management and Future Perspectives in Metastatic HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Luisa Sánchez-Lorenzo1, Alejandra Bachiller2, Claudia Gea2
1Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain.
Objective:
Metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer remains a significant clinical challenge with a poor prognosis. The introduction of anti-HER2 therapies has significantly improved survival in early and advanced stages. However, patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer eventually experience progression due to de novo or acquired resistance. This review article comprehensively analyzes the current management of metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, addressing the complexities in determining the optimal HER2-targeted therapy sequence.
Data Sources:
Discussion of selected peer-reviewed articles and expert opinion.
Conclusions:
We explore the actual standard of care and the emerging therapeutic options that hold promise for further improving patient care and survival in this aggressive breast cancer subtype. This article highlights vital toxicities linked to anti-HER2 therapies, emphasizing their recognition across treatments as interstitial lung disease, diarrhea, or left ventricular dysfunction.
Implications For Nursing Practices:
Oncology nurses have a key role to play in detecting potential adverse effects of anti-HER2 therapies. The development of new drugs, as antibody-drug conjugates, with a distinct toxicity profile makes it necessary for us to be updated on the management of these new toxicities.
Insights
Metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer requires careful management due to resistance to anti-HER2 therapies. This review covers current standards, new options, and managing toxicities for improved patient survival.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Therapeutics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer presents a significant clinical challenge with poor prognosis.
- Anti-HER2 therapies have improved survival but resistance remains a key issue.
- Optimal sequencing of HER2-targeted therapies is complex in advanced disease.
Approach:
- Comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature.
- Incorporation of expert clinical opinion.
- Analysis of current and emerging treatment strategies.
Key Points:
- Standard of care for metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.
- Emerging therapeutic options and their potential impact.
- Management of toxicities associated with anti-HER2 treatments, including interstitial lung disease, diarrhea, and left ventricular dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- The review explores current standards and promising new options for metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.
- Understanding and managing anti-HER2 therapy toxicities is crucial for patient care.
- Oncology nurses play a vital role in monitoring and managing adverse effects, especially with novel agents like antibody-drug conjugates.
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