Optimizing the management of her2-positive early breast cancer: The clinical reality

Breast cancer positive for her2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is associated with a poor prognosis for patients with both early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. Trastuzumab has been shown to be effective and is now considered the standard of care for early-stage patients with her2-positive breast cancer. In that population, trastuzumab has been studied in six randomized clinical trials. Overall, use of this agent leads to a significant reduction in risk of disease recurrence and improvement in overall survival. Despite the strong evidence for the use of trastuzumab in managing her2-positive early breast cancer (ebc), a number of clinical controversies remain. The authors of this paper undertook a review of the available scientific literature on adjuvant trastuzumab to produce practical considerations from Canadian oncologists. The panel focused their discussion on five key areas: {filled circle} Management of node-negative disease with tumours 1 cm or smaller in size {filled circle} Management of her2-positive ebc across the spectrum of the disease (that is, nodal and steroid hormone receptor status, tumour size) {filled circle} Timing of trastuzumab therapy with chemotherapy for early-stage disease: concurrent or sequential {filled circle} Treatment duration of trastuzumab for ebc {filled circle} The role of non-anthracycline trastuzumab-based regimens.©2010 Multimed Inc.

Duke Scholars

Author Susan Faye Dent Medicine, Medical Oncology