Role of trastuzumab in adjuvant therapy for locally invasive breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The role of trastuzumab in adjuvant therapy for locally invasive breast cancer is discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Kabe
Katie L
KL
School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53719, USA.
Kolesar
Jill M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D000068878:Trastuzumab
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases; D000068878:Trastuzumab