Role of trastuzumab in adjuvant therapy for locally invasive breast cancer

Katie L. Kabe, Jill M. Kolesar

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose. The role of trastuzumab in adjuvant therapy for locally invasive breast cancer is discussed. Summary. Trastuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the extracellular domain of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2). Currently, trastuzumab is indicated for use in HER2-positive patients with metastatic breast cancer. Because trastuzumab specifically targets a receptor that is overexpressed in tumor cells, it is less likely to cause the cytotoxic adverse effects of traditional chemotherapy. Cardiotoxicity has been a major concern, however. Several trials were started to evaluate trastuzumab in the adjuvant setting in patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The interim results of these trials have shown a promising effect of adjuvant therapy with trastuzumab in improving overall survival, disease-free survival, relapse-free survival, and distant-disease-free survival. Conclusion. The use of trastuzumab as adjuvant therapy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer can lead to increased survival. The appropriateness of trastuzumab therapy should be considered based on HER2 status, cost, and risk of toxicity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)527-533
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy
Volume63
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 15 2006

Keywords

  • Antibodies
  • Breast neoplasms
  • Costs
  • Mechanism of action
  • Neoplasm metastasis
  • Toxicity
  • Trastuzumab

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Health Policy

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