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Watch an exclusive “Ask the Expert” webinar: “Advancing Breast Cancer Treatment From Trials to Clinical Practice.”
Featuring renowned breast oncologist Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, Head, Breast and Gynecological Medical Oncology, Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care, this session delves into the critical role of clinical trials in transforming breast cancer care, with a special focus on metastatic breast cancer (mBC).
**a summary of the discussion is below**
HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer has seen transformative advancements in treatment options, particularly benefiting patients with both systemic and brain metastases. Here’s a look at the latest developments and what’s on the horizon for HER2-positive breast cancer treatments.
1. Revolutionary Treatments: A New Era for HER2-Positive Cancer
Recent years have brought game-changing drugs like trastuzumab deruxtecan, an antibody-drug conjugate that has shown effectiveness in both HER2-positive and HER2-low breast cancer cases. This drug is approved and has expanded treatment possibilities for patients whose cancer expresses low levels of HER2, thus widening its impact across a broader spectrum of breast cancer patients.
Other significant treatments include tucatinib and trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), both emerging from clinical trials and now playing a role in treatment strategies for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. These therapies have improved patient outcomes, marking a substantial shift in prognosis.
2. Targeting Brain Metastasis in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Brain metastasis poses a unique challenge due to the blood-brain barrier, which restricts many drugs from reaching the brain effectively. However, targeted therapies like tucatinib, designed to cross this barrier, are offering hope. Current research is focusing on refining these drugs and finding new ways to target brain metastasis in HER2-positive cases, aiming to provide better control and prolonged survival.
3. Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs): The Future of Treatment
Trastuzumab deruxtecan is part of a newer class called antibody-drug conjugates, which link antibodies with potent anti-cancer agents, directing treatment precisely to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This approach has already shown promise, and more ADCs are under study, potentially offering additional options to further enhance outcomes.
4. Optimizing Treatment Sequences
With the influx of HER2-targeted treatments, researchers and oncologists are now focused on determining the optimal sequence and combination of therapies to maximize patient benefits. This includes evaluating which drugs to administer at each stage of treatment to effectively control the disease.
In Summary
The treatment landscape for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, including cases with brain metastases, is evolving rapidly. With innovations in antibody-drug conjugates and drugs that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, patients have more effective options than ever. Future research is likely to focus on refining these treatments and developing a clear roadmap for treatment sequencing, aiming to further improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
