Subcutaneous trastuzumab — recent evidence on efficacy and safety in HER2-positive breast cancer patients
Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: Trastuzumab represented a breakthrough in the treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Numerous clinical trials have shown its efficacy in patients with early, locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer. A more convenient formulation of subcutaneous ( s.c .) trastuzumab has been developed. Based on the HannaH trial, which compared s.c . trastuzumab with the intravenous ( i.v.) formulation , the European Medicines Agency has registered s.c . trastuzumab. The study showed that pathologic complete response and serum trough concentration at predose cycle 8, were non-interior to i.v . administration. Recently, the results of the HannaH study were presented with a median follow-up of 40 months. Event-free survival (no recurrence, progression or death due to any cause) rates at 3 years were similar in two arms (76% in trastuzumab s.c . and 73% in trastuzumab i.v . arm). In the PrefHer study most patients, as well as health-care professionals, preferred trastuzumab s.c . Injection-site reactions were mild and observed only in patients with trastuzumab s.c . Large SafeHer trial evaluating safety and tolerability of this drug formulation is ongoing. Preliminary results confirm the previous reports and safety of this therapy. Additionally, s.c . administration of trastuzumab reduces time of injection, patient time in care unit, risk of errors in drug dosage (fixed dose) and allows the performance of other duties within existing health-care resources.
Source: Via Medica Journals
Authors: Katarzyna Pogoda, Anna Niwińska
Language: English
Topic: HER2/EGFR in Cancer Research
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2580091305