Trastuzumab: is the new evidence revolutionary?
A few years back, the survival benefit of trastuzumab in HER 2 positive breast cancer patients presenting with metastatic disease was proven in a randomized setting. Recently a number of randomized trials have reported their results in the adjuvant setting in HER 2 positive patients. These trials have been considered by some as a landmark in the evolution of breast cancer management. Although the data is encouraging, it need to be seen in a proper perspective keeping in mind the limitations and the side effects reported. This article stresses the use of Herceptin in carcinoma breast patients in adjuvant setting with a cautionary eye.
Munshi
Anusheel
A
Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India. anusheel8@hotmail.com
Singh
Pritanjali
P
Jalali
Rakesh
R
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D000068878:Trastuzumab
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases; D000068878:Trastuzumab