Summaries of Must-Read Clinical Literature, Guidelines, and FDA Actions

Trastuzumab in Breast Cancer

Assessing cardiac risks

Publish date:: November 10, 2015

Cardiac toxic effects from paclitaxel with trastuzumab, manifesting as grade 3 or 4 left ventricle systolic dysfunction (LVSD) or asymptomatic left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) decline, were low, suggesting that LVEF monitoring during trastuzumab therapy without anthracyclines could be simplified for many individuals. This according to a study of 406 patients with node-negative, ERBB2-positive breast cancer. Researchers found:

• Overall, 2 patients developed grade 3 LVSD and came off study.

• 13 patients had significant asymptomatic LVEF decline, 11 of whom completed study treatment.

• Median LVEFs were: 65% at baseline; 64% at 12 weeks; 64% at 6 months; and 64% at 1 year.

Citation: Dang C, Guo H, Najita J, et al. Cardiac outcomes of patients receiving adjuvant weekly paclitaxel and trastuzumab for node-negative, ERBB2-positive breast cancer. [Published online ahead of print November 5, 2015]. JAMA Oncol. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2015.3709.

This Week's Must Reads

Younger adults present with more advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma,

PDAC: Tumor reduction after neoadjuvant therapy may predict postsurgical survival,

Mortality risks rise with age, infections, but not inhibitor status in persons with non-severe hemophilia A,

‘Impressive’ local control with MRI-guided brachytherapy in cervical cancer,

U.S. mothers underestimate role breastfeeding plays in curbing breast cancer,

Must Reads in Breast Cancer

U.S. mothers underestimate role breastfeeding plays in curbing breast cancer,

Study: Doctors underreport side effects of breast irradiation,

No edge for anastrozole over tamoxifen in DCIS,

Long-term APBI cosmetic, toxicity data reported WBI has the edge Practice-confirming results,

Omitting postop radiotherapy doesn’t affect survival in older breast cancer patients,