Maria Vittoria Dieci1,2, Grazia Vernaci1, Valentina Guarneri1,2. 1. Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova. 2. Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padova, Italy.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Current standard for HER2+ early breast cancer patients includes chemotherapy and trastuzumab for 1 year. The purpose of this article is to review available evidence on escalated treatment strategies for high-risk patients and de-escalated treatments for patients at low risk of relapse or high risk of cardiac toxicity. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent results have led to the approval of two adjuvant escalated treatment strategies: pertuzumab and trastuzumab combined with chemotherapy for up to 1 year for high-risk patients; extension of adjuvant anti-HER2 treatment with 1 year of neratinib. However, these treatments are associated with increased costs and toxicity, therefore careful patients' selection is highly required. With regard to de-escalated treatments, the anthracycline-free regimen of adjuvant paclitaxel and 1 year trastuzumab has entered clinical practice for early-stage patients. One year of trastuzumab remains the standard; however, shorter trastuzumab could be an option for low-risk patients and in case of increased risk of cardiotoxocity. Chemotherapy-free regimens are attractive but deserve further evaluation. SUMMARY: There have been advances in treatment individualization for HER2+ early breast cancer patients. Integration of promising biomarkers into risk classification will further help progressing in the field.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Current standard for HER2+ early breast cancerpatients includes chemotherapy and trastuzumab for 1 year. The purpose of this article is to review available evidence on escalated treatment strategies for high-risk patients and de-escalated treatments for patients at low risk of relapse or high risk of cardiac toxicity. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent results have led to the approval of two adjuvant escalated treatment strategies: pertuzumab and trastuzumab combined with chemotherapy for up to 1 year for high-risk patients; extension of adjuvant anti-HER2 treatment with 1 year of neratinib. However, these treatments are associated with increased costs and toxicity, therefore careful patients' selection is highly required. With regard to de-escalated treatments, the anthracycline-free regimen of adjuvant paclitaxel and 1 year trastuzumab has entered clinical practice for early-stage patients. One year of trastuzumab remains the standard; however, shorter trastuzumab could be an option for low-risk patients and in case of increased risk of cardiotoxocity. Chemotherapy-free regimens are attractive but deserve further evaluation. SUMMARY: There have been advances in treatment individualization for HER2+ early breast cancerpatients. Integration of promising biomarkers into risk classification will further help progressing in the field.
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