COURSE OVERVIEW
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is over expressed or gene amplified in 20%-25% of breast cancers. It is now well proven that HER2 overexpression/amplification, which is an early event in breast cancer development, is associated with a poor prognosis and may predict response to therapy. Herceptin (Trastuzumab), an anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody, has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and appears to provide greater benefit the earlier the drug is given. Moreover, Herceptin also demonstrates a favorable safety profile and is associated with quality-of-life benefits. The clinical benefits observed with Herceptin in the metastatic setting provided the rationale for assessing trastuzumab in the treatment of early breast cancer. The efficacy and safety of trastuzumab given in combination with or after standard adjuvant chemotherapy has been investigated in Phase III trials (NSABP B-31, NCCTG N9831, HERA, BCIRG 006, FinHer). The addition of 1 year of trastuzumab to adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival. The DFS benefits were observed regardless of age, nodal status, hormonal status or tumor size in all trials.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After successfully completing this CME course, the participant should be able to:
• Know about human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and its significance in Breast cancer.
• Use Herceptin in the treatment of HER2 positive Early and Metastatic Breast cancer.