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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 527-533 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy |
Volume | 63 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 15 2006 |
Keywords
- Antibodies
- Breast neoplasms
- Costs
- Mechanism of action
- Neoplasm metastasis
- Toxicity
- Trastuzumab
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology
- Health Policy