In a nutshell
This study investigated the effects of trastuzumab (Herceptin) on the locoregional control (management in the area in which it arose) of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer (HER2+BC) following radiotherapy (RT). Trastuzumab administered alongside RT was found to be associated with a significantly reduced rate of locoregional recurrence (LRR).
Some background
Trastuzumab is a therapy that targets HER2, a protein which is overexpressed in 15-25% of breast cancers. The beneficial effects of trastuzumab and radiotherapy in treating HER2+BC are well documented. RT is known to reduce the risk of LRR, meaning the reappearance of the cancer in and around the original site of disease. The impact of trastuzumab on LRR is not well understood, particularly in patients also treated with additional RT.
Methods & findings
This study examined the records of 278 patients with HER2+BC who received RT. Patients were split into 2 groups: 134 receiving trastuzumab in addition to RT and 144 who received RT alone. The average follow-up time was 45 months. The hormone receptor status (HR+ or HR-; whether or not the cancer was dependent on the hormones estrogen or progesterone for growth) of patients was also noted.
In HR+/HER2+ patients, trastuzumab was associated with an LRR of 0% at the 3-year follow up. HR+/HER2+ patients who did not receive trastuzumab had an LRR of 6.7%. The HR-/HER2+ patients who received trastuzumab experienced a slightly higher LRR of 4.7%. While this was still lower than the 8.6% LRR seen in the same patients who received RT alone, the difference was not statistically significant.
The bottom line
The study concluded that the addition of trastuzumab to RT treatment is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of local recurrence in patients with HER2+ BC.
The fine print
The study relied on patient records and involved a small number of patients. A larger study group and longer follow up time is needed to confirm the results.
What’s next?
Discuss the pros and cons of trastuzumab treatment with your doctor.
Published By :
Medicine
Date :
Aug 01, 2016
