Breast Cancer Immunotherapy: A Clinical Review for the Plastic Surgeon

Immunotherapy has transformed breast cancer management. However, it can be challenging to remain familiar with the adverse events, contraindications, and perioperative recommendations for each agent.

We used FDALabel to identify all Food and Drug Administration-approved immunotherapies indicated for the treatment of breast cancer. We extracted details regarding warnings and precautions, indications, and adverse events from each package insert.

We identified nine immunotherapies belonging to three classes: anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) agents, anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) agents, and anti-trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP-2) agents. Cardiotoxicity, including heart failure and cardiomyopathy, was common among those receiving anti-HER2 agents, and hypothyroidism was common among patients receiving the anti-PD-1 agent. The anti-TROP-2 agent was associated with diarrhea and neutropenia. Given the adverse event profile for each drug, we recommend preoperative evaluation components, including transthoracic echocardiography, liver function tests, and thyroid panels. We also indicate here which immunotherapies raise concern for venous thromboembolism, hematoma, and infection.

Using data from clinical trials, we recommend a preoperative evaluation tailored to the immunotherapeutic regimen of individual patients.