Updates on Herceptin for early stage HER2+?
Meet the Experts
Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer, dedicated to developing programs that improve the well-being of women treated for breast cancer.
Question from Alyosha: Can you please comment whether there has been any update on the use of Herceptin for early stage HER2-positive breast cancer? Is there further research on the success of the clinical trial with AC + T + Herceptin that began a few years ago?
- Answer —Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.:
The use of Herceptin (chemical name: trastuzumab) in early stage breast cancer has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because the results of the clinical trials were so compelling in improving recurrence rates from breast cancer. Herceptin is an antibody therapy that is given usually in combination or shortly after chemotherapy, that works differently from chemotherapy. In patients with breast cancer that is HER2-positive, it significantly reduces the risk of metastatic (Stage IV) disease. Worldwide data support the use of the drug in this setting. I expect that the survival benefit will continue over the next few years.
One study we're waiting for is the result of the HERA (Herceptin Adjuvant) trial, conducted in Europe. Patients on this study who got Herceptin were randomly assigned to get 1 year of the drug or 2 years of the drug. We are waiting to see if a longer period of treatment might give some women additional benefit. These results were not updated at San Antonio. A study that just started in Europe and will be starting here in the U.S. will be comparing Herceptin with lapatinib (brand name: Tykerb) in women with early stage breast cancer. Tykerb is an agent that also targets the HER pathway and the results of this trial will be critical in continuing to improve survival rates in breast cancer. Obviously, this kind of trial takes a long time to conduct and we are always grateful to the doctors and patients who participate in this kind of study.
On December 19, 2007, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from San Antonio 2007. Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. answered your questions and shared the newest research presented at this year's San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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