Preprint Review Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

HER2 Positive Early Breast Cancer: Time for Ultimate De-escalation?

Version 1 : Received: 4 January 2024 / Approved: 4 January 2024 / Online: 5 January 2024 (06:47:05 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Tauber, N.; Cirkel, C.; Claussen, A.; Fick, F.; Kontomanolis, E.; Krawczyk, N.; Rody, A.; Banys-Paluchowski, M. HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer: Time for Ultimate De-Escalation? Cancers 2024, 16, 1121. Tauber, N.; Cirkel, C.; Claussen, A.; Fick, F.; Kontomanolis, E.; Krawczyk, N.; Rody, A.; Banys-Paluchowski, M. HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer: Time for Ultimate De-Escalation? Cancers 2024, 16, 1121.

Abstract

De-escalation is currently taking place both in surgical and systemic treatment of breast cancer. The introduction of trastuzumab, the first monoclonal antibody against the HER2 receptor over 20 years ago was a milestone in the treatment of HER2 positive breast cancer and marked the beginning of a new era in targeted tumor therapy. In the sense of de-escalation, omitting non-targeted cytotoxic chemotherapy altogether is often hailed as the ultimate goal of oncological research. Especially in case of small, node-negative, HER2 positive early breast cancer, it remains a challenge for clinicians to establish the safest and most efficient treatment plan while considering the significant potential for toxic side effects associated with chemotherapy and HER2 targeted therapy, and the generally excellent prognosis. In this context, several ongoing studies are currently assessing chemotherapy-free regimens as part of strategies aimed at de-escalating therapy in the field of HER2 positive early breast cancer. Despite promising early results from these studies, combination of anti-HER2 treatment with chemotherapy backbone remains standard of care.

Keywords

HER2 positive; Breast Cancer; Systemic De-Escalation; Chemo-free therapy; Targeted Therapy

Subject

Medicine and Pharmacology, Oncology and Oncogenics

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