Mutations in the alpha catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PIK3CA) often occur in breast cancer. Preclinical work has suggested that activation of the PIK3CA pathway may result in resistance to anti-HER2 therapies. Now, analyses of two large data sets have arrived at different conclusions regarding the ability of PIK3CA status to predict benefit from anti-HER2 therapy.
In the study by Majewski and colleagues, baseline tissue samples were obtained from participants in the NeoALTTO trial (NEJM JW Oncol Hematol Apr 2012 and Lancet 2012; 379:633), in which patients received preoperative anti-HER2 therapy (trastuzumab, lapatinib, or a combination), followed by paclitaxel until definitive surgery. Pathologic complete response (pCR)…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardLilly; AstraZeneca; Gilead
Grant/Research SupportBreast Cancer Research Foundation
Editorial BoardsClinical Breast Cancer; Oncology; Annals of Surgery; Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNational Comprehensive Cancer Network (Chair, Breast Cancer Panel); American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology Board)
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardLilly; AstraZeneca; Gilead
Grant/Research SupportBreast Cancer Research Foundation
Editorial BoardsClinical Breast Cancer; Oncology; Annals of Surgery; Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNational Comprehensive Cancer Network (Chair, Breast Cancer Panel); American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology Board)