In a nutshell
This study evaluated the use, effects and adherence of trastuzumab (herceptin) as treatment for patients with breast cancer.
Some background
Trastuzumab is often prescribed as adjuvant (additional) therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 positive (HER2+) breast cancer. HER2 is a protein found on the surface of some breast cancer cells. In the case of HER2+ breast cancer, tumor growth is stimulated by the attachment of growth factors to the HER2 structure. Trastuzumab blocks the action of the HER2 complex thus inhibiting further growth of the cancer and reducing the risk of recurrence. Trastuzumab has been shown to dramatically improve survival among patients with HER2+ breast cancer in multiple clinical trials, and has been approved for use since 2006. However, assessment of the drug's tolerability and adherence to use in reality (outside of controlled clinical trials) is still ongoing.
Methods & findings
This study involved a total of 1,002 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with adjuvant trastuzumab. 874 (87.23%) patients successfully completed their one year trastuzumab treatment. 128 (12.77%) patients withdrew from trastuzumab treatment. Of the 128 patients, 28 stopped treatment due to cardiac toxicity (damage to the heart muscle) and 29 patients stopped due to toxicities that were not related to the heart (such as skin, liver, intestinal or nerve damage). Most cases of treatment withdraw due to toxicities occurred during the first 6 months of treatment.
107 cases of cancer recurrence were noted over a period of 32 months. Recurrence rates were 13.51% among patients who were treated with trastuzumab for less than 6 months, 13% for patients treated for a period of between 6 to 12 months, and 11.81% for patients who completed the one year treatment.
The bottom line
This study concluded that trastuzumab treatment is both effective and well tolerated. Adherence to drug use is high among patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician regarding the risks and benefits of trastuzumab treatment.
Published By :
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
Date :
Aug 14, 2013
