Efficacy of Trastuzumab in Unselected Patients with HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis. Issue 4 (July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Collovà, Elena; Ferzi, Antonella; Scandurra, Giuseppa; Aurilio, Gaetano; Torri, Valter; Porcu, Luca; Sanò, Maria Vita; Taibi, Eleonora; Foglietta, Jennifer; Generali, Daniele; Andreis, Daniele; Dazzani, Maria Chiara; Bramati, Annalisa; Marcon, Ilaria; Atzori, Francesco; Cinieri, Saverio; Tondulli, Luca; Grasso, Donatella; Nolè, Franco; Petrella, Maria Cristina; Gori, Stefania; La Verde, Nicla
• Is Part Of: Tumori. Volume 100:Issue 4(2014)
• Page Start: 426
• Page End: 431
• Publication Date: 2014-07
• Subjects: HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer -- trastuzumab; Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1700/1636.17902
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-8916

Abstract

Aims and Background: The addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer has significantly improved progression-free survival and overall survival, although most patients develop resistance or have a primarily resistant disease. The aim of the study was to describe the efficacy and safety of a firstline treatment in unselected metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer patients, treated according to clinical practice. Methods: From 2000 to 2009, we conducted a retrospective multi-institutional analysis of 182 consecutive patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who underwent first-line treatment with trastuzumab. The primary end points were progression-free survival and overall survival; the secondary end points were survival after progression in patients treated with second-line chemotherapy with or without trastuzumab and safety. A total of 172 patients were analyzed. Results: Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 1.2 (95% CI, 1.1–1.4) and 4.4 years (95% CI, 3.6–5.4), respectively. For 100 patients who received second-line chemotherapy, median survival after progression was significantly longer in those who also received trastuzumab: 2.8 (95% CI, 2.1–4.0) versus 1.2 years (95% CI, 0.6–1.9). Conclusions: Although based on retrospective data, the study confirms the role of trastuzumab as first-line treatment in metastatic breast cancer outside of a controlled trial. Moreover, information obtained on the use of trastuzumab beyond disease progression supports its use in this setting.