Open AccessLate Administration of Trastuzumab Emtansine Might Lead to Loss of Chance for Better Outcome in Patients with HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
Author(s) -
Luis Manso,
Alfonso Sánchez-Muñoz,
Isabel Calvo,
Yann Izarzugaza,
Jessica Plata,
César Rodrı́guez
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
breast care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.767
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1661-3805
pISSN - 1661-3791
DOI - 10.1159/000488794
Subject(s) - trastuzumab emtansine , medicine , trastuzumab , metastatic breast cancer , oncology , breast cancer , human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 , disease , cancer , intensive care medicine
The optimal sequence of anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) therapies in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is still undetermined. Physicians must therefore make decisions based on clinical trials and their own experience for the best treatment sequence in these patients. The objective of this review is to summarize the efficacy and safety data for trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in patients with MBC. Additionally, the concept of ‘loss of chance for a better outcome' is investigated. It applies to patients who are not receiving the best possible treatment for their disease. Physicians should strive to offer the best possible care, although getting optimal results in each individual patient is not guaranteed. Lastly, the number of patients with MBC lost per treatment line is evaluated. We conclude that both concepts reinforce the importance of giving the most active treatments as soon as possible in the course of disease to secure the longest possible survival for HER2-positive MBC patients.