Trastuzumab Reduces 2-Year Mortality in Early Breast Cancer

Overexpression of the growth factor HER2 occurs in 15%–25% of early breast cancers and is associated with aggressive disease. Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against HER2, has increased overall survival in women with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

In the manufacturer-funded HERA trial, researchers randomized 3300 women with HER2-positive early-stage invasive breast cancer who had completed local therapy and chemotherapy to receive either a standard dose of trastuzumab (every 3 weeks for 1 year) or observation alone. A significant improvement in disease-free survival was noted after a median follow-up of 1 year in the trastuzumab group (Journal Watch Oct 21 2005). The HERA investigators now report results after a second y…