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Trastuzumab

In HER2 and Hormone Receptor Co-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

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Abstract

  • ▲ Trastuzumab is a humanised IgG1 monoclonal antibody, which selectively binds to the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), inhibiting cell proliferation and survival in HER2-dependent tumours.

  • ▲ In a randomised phase III trial in postmenopausal women with HER2 and hormone receptor (HR) copositive metastatic breast cancer, median progression-free survival (primary endpoint) was significantly longer in patients receiving intravenous trastuzumab plus oral anastrozole than in those receiving anastrozole alone.

  • ▲ Overall response rate and clinical benefit rate were also significantly higher, and median time to disease progression was significantly longer with trastuzumab plus anastrozole versus anastrozole alone.

  • ▲ There were no reports of new or unexpected adverse events with trastuzumab plus anastrozole combination therapy in the randomised phase III trial.

  • ▲ In a noncomparative phase II study of trastuzumab plus letrozole in postmenopausal women with HER2 and HR co-positive metastatic breast cancer, the majority of adverse events were mild or moderate in severity.

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Notes

  1. The use of trade names is for product identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.

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Acknowledgements and Disclosure

The manuscript was reviewed by: M. Clemens, Klinikum Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier, Germany; B. Kaufman, Breast Cancer Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Israel.

The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process, the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on this article. Changes resulting from comments received were made on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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Correspondence to Caroline M. Perry.

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Orman, J.S., Perry, C.M. Trastuzumab. Drugs 67, 2781–2789 (2007). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200767180-00009

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