Looking for Her (2+): A systematic review of the economic evaluations of Trastuzumab in early stage HER 2 positive breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer, the second most common cancer in women, exerts a multidimensional grave effect on affected women. Among the several subtypes of breast cancer, the overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 gene is associated with poorer survival and higher relapse rates. Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody, has proved its safety and efficacy in this specific subtype, nevertheless its high cost urges for caution among payers. AREAS COVERED: The scope of this study is to systematically search and critically assess the economic evaluation studies of trastuzumab in patients with early stage Her2+ breast cancer. EXPERT COMMENTARY: In the majority of the studies, trastuzumab was found to be cost-effective. Its cost-effectiveness profile is contingent to treatment duration, benefit effect, and age of the patient.