Continuing Trastuzumab After Disease Progression in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Giuseppe Cancello, Emilia Montagna, Diego D'Agostino, Mario Giuliano, Antonio Giordano, Giuseppe Di Lorenzo, Monica Plaitano, Sabino De Placido, Michele De Laurentiis
Primary Institution: Università 'Federico II'
Hypothesis
Does continuing trastuzumab after disease progression improve outcomes in HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer patients?
Conclusion
Continuing trastuzumab after disease progression shows a nonstatistically significant trend towards improved survival.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients retaining trastuzumab had a median overall survival of 70 months compared to 56 months for those who halted treatment.
- The median follow-up for patients retaining trastuzumab was 39.6 months.
- Response rates were 35% for first-line and 16% for second-line trastuzumab therapy.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether keeping patients on a breast cancer drug called trastuzumab after their disease got worse would help them live longer. It found that it might help, but we need more studies to be sure.
Methodology
Retrospective analysis of HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer patients who either continued or halted trastuzumab after disease progression.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias as patients who halted trastuzumab may have had worse prognostic factors.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may be influenced by selection bias and small sample size.
Participant Demographics
Patients were primarily women with HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer, with a mean age of 51 for those retaining trastuzumab.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P = 0.52 for overall survival comparison.
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.51 to 1.18 for overall survival.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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