Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) as adjuvant treatment of HER2-positive early breast cancer: safety and efficacy. Issue 3 (4th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Molinelli, Chiara; Parisi, Francesca; Razeti, Maria Grazia; Arecco, Luca; Cosso, Maurizio; Fregatti, Piero; Del Mastro, Lucia; Poggio, Francesca; Lambertini, Matteo
• Is Part Of: Expert review of anticancer therapy. Volume 21:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 241
• Page End: 250
• Publication Date: 2021-03-04
• Subjects: Antibody-drug conjugate -- breast cancer -- HER2-positive -- trastuzumab emtansine -- t-DM1; Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.99406
• DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1857243
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7140

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : The prognosis of patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer has radically improved after the introduction of (neo)adjuvant anti-HER2 targeted therapy. Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is an antibody-drug conjugate combining the anticancer properties of the anti-HER2 agent trastuzumab and the antineoplastic cytotoxic drug DM1. After demonstrating to be an effective and safe treatment for patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer, the development of T-DM1 has moved to the early setting. Areas covered : The aim of this review is to explore the current role of T-DM1 in the treatment landscape of HER2-positive early breast cancer, focusing specifically on the efficacy and safety data available in the adjuvant setting. Expert opinion : T-DM1 is an effective and safe treatment option in the adjuvant setting for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer without pathologic complete response after standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus anti-HER2 targeted therapy. With the availability of more effective anti-HER2 targeted agents, including T-DM1, there is an urgent need for more chemotherapy de-escalation research efforts in the early setting.