Pooled analysis of cardiac safety in patients with cancer treated with pertuzumab

Cardiotoxicity of breast cancer drug treatments

Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. BC is regarded as a systemic disease. Consequently, the majority of BC patients undergo systemic therapy to reduce the risk of distant metastasis (DM) and associated mortality. Although systemic therapies improve patients' outcome, they are associated with significant side effects, particularly cardiotoxicity and cardiovascular complications. Such side effects vary significantly in severity and duration. Cardiotoxicity may remain undetected for years post-treatment until the symptoms of heart failure (HF) present in the patient, which can reduce life expectancy, quality of life, and even lead to death. Therefore, it is vital to investigate the cardiotoxic and cardiovascular risks of BC treatment regimens to identify patients who would benefit most from cardiac monitoring. As it stands, cardiotoxicity is reported from individual studies or for selected drug therapies only. This review fulfils a gap in the literature by combining clinical studies of cardiotoxicity together from clinical trial data published on clinicaltrials.gov.uk.

Novel insights into cardiovascular toxicity of cancer targeted and immune therapies: Beyond ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA)

Novel immune and targeted therapies approved over the past 2 decades have resulted in dramatic improvements in cancer-specific outcomes for many cancer patients. However, many of these agents can induce cardiovascular toxicity in a subset of patients. The field of cardio-oncology was established based on observations that anti-neoplastic chemotherapies and mantle radiation can lead to premature cardiomyopathy in cancer survivors. While conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immune therapies can all result in cardiovascular adverse events, the mechanisms, timing, and incidence of these events are inherently different. Many of these effects converge upon the coronary microvasculature to involve, through endocardial endothelial cells, a more direct effect through close proximity to cardiomyocyte with cellular communication and signaling pathways. In this review, we will provide an overview of emerging paradigms in the field of Cardio-Oncology, particularly the role of the coronary microvasculature in mediating cardiovascular toxicity of important cancer targeted and immune therapies. As the number of cancer patients treated with novel immune and targeted therapies grows exponentially and subsequently the number of long-term cancer survivors dramatically increases, it is critical that cardiologists and cardiology researchers recognize the unique potential cardiovascular toxicities of these agents.

Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Mediating Resistance to Anti-HER2 Antibodies

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women globally. Despite advancements in treatment strategies, many patients still develop challenging-to-treat metastatic disease. The development and progression of tumors are influenced by genetic/epigenetic changes within tumor cells and alterations in the tumor microenvironment (TME) through a dynamic communication. The TME comprises various elements, including immune, tumor, and stromal cells. Tumor cells at the core of the TME orchestrate complex signals that lead to tumor growth, survival, and resistance to treatment. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in a significant proportion of invasive breast cancers, influencing prognosis and prediction. Novel therapeutic approaches target HER2-positive breast cancers by leveraging HER2-targeted therapeuirtcs such as antibody-drug conjugates, monoclonal antibodies, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The TME in HER2-positive breast cancers also involves cancer-associated fibroblasts and cancer-associated adipocytes, which play critical roles in tumor progression and therapy resistance. The immune microenvironment also plays a significant role, with studies indicating its impact on outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer. Trastuzumab, one of the first monoclonal antibodies targeting HER2, has shown promise in enhancing survival rates in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. Integration of trastuzumab with chemotherapy has demonstrated significant enhancements in disease-free survival as well as overall survival rates during early breast cancer treatment. Trastuzumab functions by inhibiting HER2 signaling pathways, leading to cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis. Overall, understanding the complex interplay between HER2, the tumor microenvironment, and therapeutic interventions is essential for improving outcomes in HER2-positive BC.

Cardiac Toxicities in Oncology: Elucidating the Dark Box in the Era of Precision Medicine

Despite current advancements in chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted treatments, the potential for major adverse cardiovascular events, regardless of previous cardiac history, persists. Scoring systems, such as the Heart Failure Association-International Cardio-Oncology Society (HFA-ICOS) risk assessment tool, can be utilized to evaluate several factors including prior cardiac history, risk factors and cardiac biomarkers to categorize patients into low, moderate, high, and very high-risk groups. Common cardiotoxicity complications include new or worsening left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), QT interval prolongation, myocardial ischaemia, hypertension, thromboembolic disease, cardiac device malfunction and valve disease. Baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) and transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) are routinely performed for all patients commenced on cardiotoxic treatment, while other imaging modalities and biochemical markers have proven useful for monitoring. Management mainly includes early risk stratification and prompt identification of cardiovascular complications, with patient-specific surveillance throughout treatment. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in determining the relationship between potential treatment benefits and cardiotoxicity, and whether the continuation of treatment is appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Early risk stratification, optimizing the patient's cardiovascular status prior to treatment, and prompt identification of suspected cardiotoxicity are key in significantly reducing risk. This article provides a comprehensive review of the various types of treatment-related cardiotoxicity, offering guidance on identifying high-risk patients, recognizing early signs of cardiotoxicity, and outlining appropriate treatment approaches and follow-up care for such cases.

Cardiovascular adverse events of antineoplastic monoclonal antibodies among cancer patients: real-world evidence from a tertiary healthcare system

BACKGROUND

Antineoplastic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), such as trastuzumab, bevacizumab, and pertuzumab have been the mainstay of therapy in cancer patients. Despite proven efficacy of the monoclonal antibodies, cardiovascular-induced adverse events such as heart failure, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, thromboembolic events, and hemorrhage remain a major complication. The European society of cardiology address that concern with antineoplastic monoclonal antibodies issuing a guideline to manage and monitor chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. There is limited evidence of the real-world prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) events induced by monoclonal antibodies among patients with cancer in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular adverse events among patients with cancer treated with monoclonal antibodies in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were obtained from an electronic medical record of patients with cancer treated with one of the selected monoclonal antibodies, who met the inclusion criteria between January 2005 until June 2015 and have been followed up for at least one year. Patients were stratified into groups according to monoclonal antibodies treatment: trastuzumab, bevacizumab, pertuzumab, and combined mAbs.

RESULTS

A total of 1067 patient were included in the study, within the pre-determined study period. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease among patients with cancer treated with monoclonal antibodies was 16.3%. The prevalence of heart failure was relatively higher in the trastuzumab group (46/626 patients, 7.3%). Among 418 patients treated with bevacizumab, hypertension was the most frequent adverse event, reported in 38 patients (9.1%), followed by thromboembolism reported in 27 patients (6.5%). Treatment discontinuation owing to cardiovascular adverse events was reported in 42/1,067 patients (3.9%).

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Prevalence of antineoplastic monoclonal antibody induced cardiovascular adverse events among patients with cancer is substantially high in Saudi Arabia. There is an urgent need to streamline the practice for identifying high risk patients and flexible referral system for cardio-oncology care.

Cardiotoxicity in breast cancer treatment: Causes and mitigation

Survivorship issues and treatment related toxicities have considerably increased in breast cancer patients following improved therapeutic options. Cardiotoxicity has been a major treatment related side effects in these patients. Despite this being a well-known entity, the real magnitude of the problem remains an enigma. The amount of research in mitigation of cardiotoxicity or its management in breast cancer survivors is limited and there is an urgent need for finding solutions for the problem. In this article, we are reviewing the agents that cause cardiotoxicity and suggesting a proposal for follow up of breast cancer survivors in an attempt to reduce the magnitude of impact on their quality of life.

Cardiotoxicity of Anti-Cancer Radiation Therapy: a Focus on Heart Failure

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

As the percentage of patients achieving long-term survival following treatment of their cancer grows, it is increasingly important to understand the long-term toxicities of cancer-directed treatment. In this review, we highlight the recent findings regarding radiation-induced cardiotoxicity across multiple disease sites, with a particular focus on heart failure.

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite its relative lack of study historically, radiation-induced heart failure has now recently been implicated in several studies of breast cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and lymphoma as a non-trivial potential consequence of thoracic radiotherapy. Data regarding specific cardiac dosimetric endpoints relevant to cardiotoxicity continue to accumulate. Radiation-induced heart failure is a rare but significant toxicity of thoracic radiotherapy, that is likely underreported. Important areas for future focus include understanding the interplay between thoracic radiotherapy and concurrent cardiotoxic systemic therapy as well as development of potential mitigation strategies and novel therapeutics.

Advances in Multimodality Imaging in Cardio-Oncology: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

The population of patients with cancer is rapidly expanding, and the diagnosis and monitoring of cardiovascular complications greatly rely on imaging. Numerous advances in the field of cardio-oncology and imaging have occurred in recent years. This review presents updated and practical approaches for multimodality cardiovascular imaging in the cardio-oncology patient and provides recommendations for imaging to detect the myriad of adverse cardiovascular effects associated with antineoplastic therapy, such as cardiomyopathy, atherosclerosis, vascular toxicity, myocarditis, valve disease, and cardiac masses. Uniquely, we address the role of cardiovascular imaging in patients with pre-existing cardiomyopathy, pregnant patients, long-term survivors, and populations with limited resources. We also address future avenues of investigation and opportunities for artificial intelligence applications in cardio-oncology imaging. This review provides a uniform practical approach to cardiovascular imaging for patients with cancer.

Myocardial Dysfunction in Patients with Cancer

Myocardial dysfunction in patients with cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicities are an important contributor to the development of cardiomyopathy in this patient population. Furthermore, cardiac AL amyloidosis, cardiac malignancies/metastases, accelerated atherosclerosis, stress cardiomyopathy, systemic and pulmonary hypertension are also linked to the development of myocardial dysfunction. Herein, we summarize current knowledge on the mechanisms of myocardial dysfunction in the setting of cancer and cancer-related therapies. Additionally, we briefly outline key recommendations on the surveillance and management of cancer therapy-related myocardial dysfunction based on the consensus of experts in the field of cardio-oncology.

Opportunities and Challenges in Cardio-Oncology:A Bibliometric analysis From 2010 to 2022

Cardio-oncology has grown rapidly worldwide as an emerging interdisciplinary discipline over the past decade. In the present bibliometric review, we employed VOSviewer and Citespace software to describe the literature landscape concerning cardio-oncology from 2010 to 2022. As a result, a total of 1,194 relevant publications were identified in the Web of Science database with an increasing trend. The United States dominated the field during the research period, and Italy, England and Canada had emerged as significant contributors to the study. Ky. Bonnie, Herrmann. Joerg and Fradley. Michael G were the most productive researchers. JACC: CardioOncology was the journal dedicated to the discipline of cardio-oncology and had published the greatest number of papers. Vascular disease and atrial fibrillation have attracted much attention as the main cardiovascular burden. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-specific cardiovascular toxicity, biomarkers and imaging examination together with the prevention of cardio-oncology are potential research hotspots. Notably, basic research is lagging behind, for which more researches are needed to fill the gap. In conclusion, bibliometric analysis provided valuable information for the development of cardio-oncology, which is full of opportunities and challenges.

Cardiac Toxicity From Adjuvant Targeting Treatment for Breast Cancer Post-Surgery

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancers worldwide, especially for females. Surgery is the preferred treatment for breast cancer, and various postoperative adjuvant therapies can be reasonably used according to different pathological characteristics, especially traditional radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy. In recent years, targeting agent therapy has also become one of the selective breast cancer treatment strategies, including anti-HER-2 drugs, CDK4/6 inhibitor, poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitor, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor, ER targeting drugs, and aromatase inhibitor. Because of the different pathologic mechanisms of these adjuvant therapies, each of the strategies may cause cardiotoxicity in clinic. The cardiac adverse events of traditional endocrine therapy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy for breast cancer have been widely detected in clinic; however, the targeting therapy agents have been paid more attention with the extension of application. This review will summarize the cardiac toxicity of various adjuvant therapies for breast cancer, especially for targeting drug therapy.

Multimodality Advanced Cardiovascular and Molecular Imaging for Early Detection and Monitoring of Cancer Therapy-Associated Cardiotoxicity and the Role of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data

Cancer mortality has improved due to earlier detection via screening, as well as due to novel cancer therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitions. However, similarly to older cancer therapies such as anthracyclines, these therapies have also been documented to cause cardiotoxic events including cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, myocarditis, arrhythmia, hypertension, and thrombosis. Imaging modalities such as echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are critical in monitoring and evaluating for cardiotoxicity from these treatments, as well as in providing information for the assessment of function and wall motion abnormalities. MRI also allows for additional tissue characterization using T1, T2, extracellular volume (ECV), and delayed gadolinium enhancement (DGE) assessment. Furthermore, emerging technologies may be able to assist with these efforts. Nuclear imaging using targeted radiotracers, some of which are already clinically used, may have more specificity and help provide information on the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity, including in anthracycline mediated cardiomyopathy and checkpoint inhibitor myocarditis. Hyperpolarized MRI may be used to evaluate the effects of oncologic therapy on cardiac metabolism. Lastly, artificial intelligence and big data of imaging modalities may help predict and detect early signs of cardiotoxicity and response to cardioprotective medications as well as provide insights on the added value of molecular imaging and correlations with cardiovascular outcomes. In this review, the current imaging modalities used to assess for cardiotoxicity from cancer treatments are discussed, in addition to ongoing research on targeted molecular radiotracers, hyperpolarized MRI, as well as the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data in imaging that would help improve the detection and prognostication of cancer-treatment cardiotoxicity.

Pertuzumab Cardiotoxicity in Patients With HER2-Positive Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpressing malignancies, including breast and gastro-esophageal, are associated with a poor prognosis. The cardiotoxicity of trastuzumab, a HER2-targeting monoclonal antibody, is well established. However, the cardiotoxic effect of pertuzumab, another HER2-directed therapy, is less well documented. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the risk of cardiac events in patients with HER2-positive cancer who are receiving pertuzumab.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of phase 2 and 3 randomized controlled trials in which the addition of pertuzumab to other standard therapies in patients with stage I-IV HER2-positive cancer was evaluated, and cardiac adverse effects reported. We searched MEDLINE (1946-2020), Embase (1974-2020), and CENTRAL. Two independent reviewers assessed the risk of bias and extracted the data. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from the pooled data using the inverse variance method and random-effects models.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials (8420 patients) were included: 1 was gastro-esophageal; 7 were breast cancer trials. Participants’ median age ranged from 49 to 61.5 years. All participants received trastuzumab and chemotherapy in addition to pertuzumab or placebo. Compared with placebo, pertuzumab increased the risk of clinical heart failure (HF; RR [95% CI]: 1.97 [1.05-3.70]; I² = 0%). However, pertuzumab had no demonstrable effect on asymptomatic/minimally symptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction (RR [95% CI]: 1.19 [0.89-1.61]; I² = 19%).

Conclusions

Pertuzumab increases the risk of clinical HF, but not asymptomatic/minimally symptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction, in HER2-positive cancer patients. Further research into the mechanisms underlying pertuzumab-related HF is needed to understand its clinical spectrum of cardiotoxicity.

Discovery and development of trastuzumab deruxtecan and safety management for patients with HER2-positive gastric cancer

Approximately 12-15% of gastric cancers (GCs) are human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-positive (HER2 immunohistochemistry 3 + or 2 + /in situ hybridization + [ERBB2/CEP17 ≥ 2.0]). While the anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody trastuzumab, in combination with chemotherapy, is the standard treatment for HER2-positive GC, other HER2-targeted therapies have not demonstrated survival benefits in patients with GC, despite showing efficacy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. This indicates that there are unique challenges to the use of currently available HER2-targeted therapies for the treatment of HER2-positive GC. Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is an antibody-drug conjugate consisting of an anti-HER2 human monoclonal IgG1 antibody with the same amino acid sequence as trastuzumab, an enzymatically cleavable peptide-based linker, and DXd, a novel topoisomerase I inhibitor, as its released payload. T-DXd has a high drug-antibody ratio (approximately 8) and a demonstrated bystander antitumor effect. It has demonstrated significant efficacy when compared with standard therapies and is approved as third- or later-line treatment for HER2-positive GC in Japan and second- or later-line treatment in the US. T-DXd treatment is associated with gastrointestinal and hematological adverse events, and a risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD), with the ILD risk being higher in Japan than in countries other than Japan. However, most adverse events, including ILD, can be managed with proactive monitoring and T-DXd dose modification, and initiation of adequate treatment. In this review, we summarize the discovery and development of T-DXd and provide guidance for T-DXd safety management, including ILD monitoring, for patients with HER2-positive GC.

Towards the use of localised delivery strategies to counteract cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicities

Cancer therapies have significantly improved cancer survival; however, these therapies can often result in undesired side effects to off target organs. Cardiac disease ranging from mild hypertension to heart failure can occur as a result of cancer therapies. This can warrant the discontinuation of cancer treatment in patients which can be detrimental, especially when the treatment is effective. There is an urgent need to mitigate cardiac disease that occurs as a result of cancer therapy. Delivery strategies such as the use of nanoparticles, hydrogels, and medical devices can be used to localise the treatment to the tumour and prevent off target side effects. This review summarises the advancements in localised delivery of anti-cancer therapies to tumours. It also examines the localised delivery of cardioprotectants to the heart for patients with systemic disease such as leukaemia where localised tumour delivery might not be an option.

Precision Cardio-Oncology: a Systems-Based Perspective on Cardiotoxicity of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Cancer therapies have been evolving from conventional chemotherapeutics to targeted agents. This has fulfilled the hope of greater efficacy but unfortunately not of greater safety. In fact, a broad spectrum of toxicities can be seen with targeted therapies, including cardiovascular toxicities. Among these, cardiomyopathy and heart failure have received greatest attention, given their profound implications for continuation of cancer therapies and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Prediction of risk has always posed a challenge and even more so with the newer targeted agents. The merits of accurate risk prediction, however, are very evident, e.g. facilitating treatment decisions even before the first dose is given. This is important for agents with a long half-life and high potential to induced life-threatening cardiac complications, such as myocarditis with immune checkpoint inhibitors. An opportunity to address these needs in the field of cardio-oncology is provided by the expanding repertoire of "-omics" and other tools in precision medicine and their integration in a systems biology approach. This may allow for new insights into patho-mechanisms and the creation of more precise and cost-effective risk prediction tools with the ultimate goals of improved therapy decisions and prevention of cardiovascular complications. Herein, we explore this topic as a future approach to translating the complexity of cardio-oncology to the reality of patient care.

Efficacy, patterns of use and cost of Pertuzumab in the treatment of HER2+ metastatic breast cancer in Singapore: The National Cancer Centre Singapore experience

BACKGROUND

Pertuzumab is a humanized anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) monoclonal antibody found in a Phase III clinical trial to significantly improve median survival in HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) when used in combination with a taxane and Trastuzumab, and its clinical efficacy has transformed the therapeutic landscape of HER2-positive breast cancer. There are currently few reports on the pattern of use and value of Pertuzumab in real world settings. Our study describes the clinical efficacy and treatment costs of Pertuzumab in HER2-positive MBC treated in a tertiary cancer centre in Singapore in a predominantly Asian population.

AIM

To investigate the clinical efficacy and treatment costs of Pertuzumab in HER2-positive MBC in an Asian population in Singapore.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 304 HER2-positive MBC patients seen at National Cancer Centre Singapore between 2011-2017 was conducted. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records. Clinical characteristics and billing data of patients who received Pertuzumab were compared with those who did not.

RESULTS

Thirty-one (62.0%) of the fifty (16.4%) patients who received Pertuzumab as first-line therapy. With a median follow-up of 21.5 mo, there was a statistically significant difference in the median overall survival between Pertuzumab and non-Pertuzumab groups [51.5 (95%CI: 35.8–60.0) vs 32.9 (95%CI: 28.1–37.5) mo; P = 0.0128]. Two (4.88%) patients in the Pertuzumab group experienced grade 3 (G3) cardiotoxicity. The median treatment cost incurred for total chemotherapy for the Pertuzumab group was 130456 Singapore Dollars compared to 34523 Singapore Dollars for the non-Pertuzumab group. The median percentage of total chemotherapy costs per patient in the Pertuzumab group spent on Pertuzumab was 50.3%.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that Pertuzumab use in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer is associated with a significantly better survival and a low incidence of serious cardiotoxicity. However, the proportionate cost of Pertuzumab therapy remains high and further cost-effectiveness studies should be conducted.

Personalized Approach to Cancer Treatment-Related Cardiomyopathy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cancer treatment-related cardiotoxicity (CTRC) represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The purpose of our review is to summarize the epidemiology, natural history, and pathophysiology of cardiotoxicity-related to cancer treatment. We also summarize appropriate screening, surveillance, and management of CTRC. While cardiotoxicity is characteristically associated with anthracyclines, HER2-B antagonists, and radiation therapy (XRT), there is growing recognition of toxicity with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and proteasome inhibitors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients at risk for cardiotoxicity should be screened based on available guidelines, generally with serial echocardiograms. The role of medical heart failure (HF) therapies is controversial in patients with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction but may be considered in some instances. Once symptomatic HF has developed, treatment should be in accordance with ACC/AHA guidelines. The goal in caring for patients receiving cancer treatment is to optimize cardiac function and prevent interruptions in potentially lifesaving cancer treatment.

Cardio-Oncology: Vascular and Metabolic Perspectives: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Cardio-oncology has organically developed as a new discipline within cardiovascular medicine as a result of the cardiac and vascular adverse sequelae of the major advances in cancer treatment. Patients with cancer and cancer survivors are at increased risk of vascular disease for a number of reasons. First, many new cancer therapies, including several targeted therapies, are associated with vascular and metabolic complications. Second, cancer itself serves as a risk factor for vascular disease, especially by increasing the risk for thromboembolic events. Finally, recent data suggest that common modifiable and genetic risk factors predispose to both malignancies and cardiovascular disease. Vascular complications in patients with cancer represent a new challenge for the clinician and a new frontier for research and investigation. Indeed, vascular sequelae of novel targeted therapies may provide insights into vascular signaling in humans. Clinically, emerging challenges are best addressed by a multidisciplinary approach in which cardiovascular medicine specialists and vascular biologists work closely with oncologists in the care of patients with cancer and cancer survivors. This novel approach realizes the goal of providing superior care through the creation of cardio-oncology consultative services and the training of a new generation of cardiovascular specialists with a broad understanding of cancer treatments.

Concise Review: Precision Matchmaking: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Meet Cardio-Oncology

As common chemotherapeutic agents are associated with an increased risk of acute and chronic cardiovascular complications, a new clinical discipline, cardio-oncology, has recently emerged. At the same time, the development of preclinical human stem cell-derived cardiovascular models holds promise as a more faithful platform to predict the cardiovascular toxicity of common cancer therapies and advance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms contributing to the cardiotoxicity. In this article, we review the recent advances in preclinical cancer-related cardiotoxicity testing, focusing on new technologies, such as human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and tissue engineering. We further discuss some of the limitations of these technologies and present future directions. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:758&767.

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (DS-8201a) in patients with advanced HER2-positive gastric cancer: a dose-expansion, phase 1 study

BACKGROUND

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (DS-8201a) is a novel HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate with a humanised anti-HER2 antibody, cleavable peptide-based linker, and topoisomerase I inhibitor payload. A phase 1, non-randomised, open-label, multiple-dose study was done to assess the safety, tolerability, and activity of trastuzumab deruxtecan in HER2-expressing advanced solid tumours. The dose escalation (part 1) has previously been reported and the recommended doses for expansion of 5·4 mg/kg or 6·4 mg/kg were established. In this Article, we report the safety and preliminary activity results from this phase 1 trial in all patients with HER2-positive gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer who received trastuzumab deruxtecan at the recommended doses for expansion.

METHODS

This was an open-label, dose-escalation and dose-expansion phase 1 trial done at eight hospitals and clinics in the USA and six in Japan. Eligible patients were at least 18 years old in the USA and at least 20 years old in Japan and had advanced solid tumours (regardless of HER2 expression in dose escalation or HER2 expression or mutation in dose expansion). The recommended doses for expansion of 5·4 mg/kg or 6·4 mg/kg trastuzumab deruxtecan were administered intravenously to patients once every 3 weeks until withdrawal of consent, unacceptable toxicity, or progressive disease. In this Article, all patients with HER2-positive gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer with previous trastuzumab treatment who received trastuzumab deruxtecan were analysed together. The primary endpoints of the study were safety and preliminary activity (proportion of patients who achieved an objective response as assessed by the investigators). The activity evaluable set included all patients who received at least one dose of trastuzumab deruxtecan at the recommended doses for expansion, and for whom both baseline and post-treatment activity data were available. The safety analysis set included all patients who received at least one dose of trastuzumab deruxtecan at the recommended doses for expansion. Enrolment for patients with gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer has completed. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02564900, and ClinicalTrials.jp, number JapicCTI-152978.

FINDINGS

Between Aug 28, 2015, and Aug 10, 2018, 44 patients with HER2-positive gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer received at least one dose of trastuzumab deruxtecan at the recommended doses for expansion. All patients had at least one treatment-emergent adverse event. The most frequent grade 3 or worse treatment-emergent adverse events included anaemia (13 [30%]) and decreases in neutrophil (nine [20%]), platelet (eight [18%]), and white blood cell (seven [16%]) counts. Serious treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 11 (25%) patients. There were four pneumonitis cases (three grade 2 and one grade 3). There were no drug-related deaths due to treatment-emergent adverse events. 19 (43·2%; 95% CI 28·3-59·0) of 44 patients had a confirmed objective response.

INTERPRETATION

Trastuzumab deruxtecan had a manageable safety profile and showed preliminary activity in heavily pretreated patients with HER2-positive gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer. These results support further investigation of trastuzumab deruxtecan for HER2-positive gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer post-trastuzumab.

FUNDING

Daiichi Sankyo Co, Ltd.

Heart failure following oncological treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to give the reader an up-to-date overview of the progress made in the burgeoning field of cardio-oncology, encompassing oncological treatments conferring risk, prediction strategies to identify patients at risk, imaging and biomarker monitoring for emergent or subclinical toxicity and prevention in primary and secondary settings with a focus on heart failure.

RECENT FINDINGS

The rapid recent advances in cancer management, particularly with the expansion of targeted and immunotherapies, have led to substantial improvements in outcome, but have also added to the potential causes of cardiac toxicity, which can lead to heart failure. Against this, there has been progression in the field of imaging for cardiac toxicity, identification of at-risk individuals and the clarification of the role of therapy for prevention and treatment of cardiac toxicity.

SUMMARY

The findings described in this review provide guidance to clinicians in order to direct monitoring strategy and therapy choice, both in the individual with preexisting cardiac comorbidities and in those predicted to be at the highest risk of cardiac toxicity wherever therapy elements carrying cardiac risk are considered oncologically appropriate.

Cardio-oncology: Understanding cardiotoxicity to guide patient focused imaging

Current cancer therapy has led to tremendous improvements in outcomes. These therapies rely both on established therapies, such as anthracyclines and radiation, and molecularly-targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune modulators. Integrative care for patients with cancer must consider the potential effects of these therapies on a variety of organ systems, including the cardiovascular system. As a result, specialties such as cardio-oncology have developed to identify these effects, determine how to best monitor for these effects, and how to treat and ultimately prevent these effects while allowing the patient to receive the therapy they require for their cancer. This review provides a basis for understanding the cardiovascular effects of cancer therapies so that the most appropriate imaging modality may be selected to prevent and treat these effects.

Risk of regorafenib-induced cardiovascular events in patients with solid tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The present comparative meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the cardiovascular events of regorafenib in patients with solid tumors.

METHODS

Eligible studies from MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Clinical key, EBSCO publishing and Ovid, which had reported cardiovascular adverse events potentially caused by regorafenib were absorbed. Data of clinical characteristics and cardiovascular events including hypertension, hemorrhage, thrombosis, and heart failure were extracted from selected literatures for the final analysis. Pooled analysis of cardiovascular adverse events was developed by relative risks (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with software STATA 13.0 and RevMan 5.3.

RESULTS

Thirty studies including 3813 patients were fit into analysis. The incidences of cardiovascular events of all-grade were: hypertension, 36.8% (95% CI, 29.8%-43.8%), hemorrhage, 8.6% (95% CI, 3.2%-14%), thrombosis, 1.4% (95% CI, 0.1%-2.8%), and heart failure, 2.9% (95% CI, 0.3%-5.6%). The incidences of cardiovascular events of high-grade were: hypertension, 9.9% (95% CI, 7.4%-12.4%), hemorrhage, 1.2% (95% CI, 0.3%-2.2%), thrombosis, 1.6% (95% CI, 0.2%-3.4%), and heart failure, 2.9% (95% CI, 0.3%-5.6%). The RRs and their 95% CIs of all-grade cardiovascular events among patients treated with regorafenib were: hypertension, 4.10 (95% CI, 3.07-5.46; P < .00001), hemorrhage, 2.71 (95% CI, 1.45-5.08; P = .002), thrombosis, 1.27 (95% CI, 0.49-3.27; P = .62), and heart failure, 0.79 (95% CI, 0.16-3.94; P = .77). The RRs and their 95% CIs of high-grade cardiovascular events among patients treated with regorafenib were: hypertension, 5.82 (95% CI, 3.46-9.78; P < .00001), hemorrhage, 0.90 (95% CI, 0.50-1.61; P = .72), thrombosis, 1.28 (95% CI, 0.48-3.41; P = .62), and heart failure, 1.15 (95% CI, 0.23-5.69; P = .86), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis has demonstrated that regorafenib is associated with an increasing risk of hypertension at all-grade and high-grade, as well as hemorrhage at all-grade. Adequate awareness of cardiovascular adverse events of regorafenib should be established for clinicians.

Pharmacotherapeutic Management of Breast Cancer in Elderly Patients: The Promise of Novel Agents

As its incidence increases with age, breast cancer in elderly patients takes on a growing importance in clinical oncology practice. Management decisions are challenging because there is a lack of high-quality evidence in this heterogeneous population. Epidemiological studies have shown that breast cancer mortality does not decrease substantially in the older population compared with younger adults. Recent data suggest a phenotype somewhat different from that of younger patients, also confirmed at the molecular level. Breast cancer biology has been incompletely deciphered in this age group. New therapeutic agents continue to expand the available treatment options at every stage, and for each subtype of breast cancer. In the estrogen receptor-positive subtype, agents to overcome endocrine resistance have been introduced; CDK 4/6 and mTOR inhibitors have already been approved in this setting. In addition, more potent agents targeting the HER2 pathway are actively being trialed. Besides trastuzumab, pertuzumab, or lapatinib, new agents like neratinib or PI3K inhibitors are currently being tested in clinical trials. Finally, even though chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of the treatment of triple negative tumors, alternative promising approaches such as immunotherapy, notably antibodies against PD-1/PD-L1 or targeted therapies (PARP or androgen inhibitors), are currently being investigated in this specific subtype.

Cardiovascular Disease and Breast Cancer: Where These Entities Intersect: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in women, yet many people perceive breast cancer to be the number one threat to women's health. CVD and breast cancer have several overlapping risk factors, such as obesity and smoking. Additionally, current breast cancer treatments can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health (eg, left ventricular dysfunction, accelerated CVD), and for women with pre-existing CVD, this might influence cancer treatment decisions by both the patient and the provider. Improvements in early detection and treatment of breast cancer have led to an increasing number of breast cancer survivors who are at risk of long-term cardiac complications from cancer treatments. For older women, CVD poses a greater mortality threat than breast cancer itself. This is the first scientific statement from the American Heart Association on CVD and breast cancer. This document will provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence of these diseases, shared risk factors, the cardiotoxic effects of therapy, and the prevention and treatment of CVD in breast cancer patients.

Cardiovascular Complications of Cancer Therapy: Best Practices in Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management: Part 1

Modern cancer therapy has successfully cured many cancers and converted a terminal illness into a chronic disease. Because cancer patients often have coexisting heart diseases, expert advice from cardiologists will improve clinical outcome. In addition, cancer therapy can also cause myocardial damage, induce endothelial dysfunction, and alter cardiac conduction. Thus, it is important for practicing cardiologists to be knowledgeable about the diagnosis, prevention, and management of the cardiovascular complications of cancer therapy. In this first part of a 2-part review, we will review cancer therapy-induced cardiomyopathy and ischemia. This review is based on a MEDLINE search of published data, published clinical guidelines, and best practices in major cancer centers. With the number of cancer survivors expanding quickly, the time has come for cardiologists to work closely with cancer specialists to prevent and treat cancer therapy-induced cardiovascular complications.

Pharmacologic measures in the prevention of left ventricular dysfunction associated with molecular-targeted therapies in the treatment of cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

Left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) is an infrequent but significant side effect of certain molecular-targeted cancer therapies and may lead to treatment modification and impact on disease prognosis. There may be a role for beta blockers (BB), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) in the prevention of LVD. Areas covered: There are multiple definitions for LVD based on clinical and/or imaging features. Molecular-targeted therapies cause reversible LVD. Therapies with well-reported LVD are inhibitors of human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2), angiogenesis, Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog (ABL) and the proteasome. BB, ACEI and ARB seem to have a role in the prevention of LVD associated with anthracyclines. Few trials have investigated the role of BB, ACEI and ARB as primary prevention of LVD in molecular-targeted therapies. Their results are not conclusive but a beneficial role cannot be excluded. Expert opinion: Because of inconclusive data, future interventional studies should not include all treated patients with molecular-targeted therapy, but focus on patients at risk for developing LVD. Another option is to study patients who show early signs of LVD to prevent progression to overt heart failure.

Efficacy and Safety of Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab Administered in a Single Infusion Bag, Followed by Vinorelbine: VELVET Cohort 2 Final Results

BACKGROUND

VELVET Cohort 1 demonstrated the applicability of pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and vinorelbine as an alternative first-line treatment regimen for patients with HER2-positive locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who cannot receive docetaxel. Co-infusion of pertuzumab and trastuzumab may reduce clinic time and medical resource utilization. We report results from Cohort 2, in which pertuzumab and trastuzumab were co-infused, followed by vinorelbine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

During cycle 1, patients with HER2-positive locally advanced or MBC received loading doses of pertuzumab (840 mg) and trastuzumab (8 mg/kg) on consecutive days, followed by vinorelbine (25 mg/m2) on days two and nine. From cycle 2 onwards, patients received a co-infusion of pertuzumab (420 mg) and trastuzumab (6 mg/kg) on day one, followed by vinorelbine (30-35 mg/m2) on days one and eight (or days two and nine). The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) in patients with measurable disease. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and safety.

RESULTS

Cohort 2 enrolled 107 patients. The ORR was 63.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 53.0-73.6) in patients with measurable disease (91/107; 85.0%). Median PFS was 11.5 months (95% CI 10.3-15.8). The most common adverse events [AEs] were diarrhea (57.9%), neutropenia (57.0%), and nausea (41.1%). Grade ≥3 AEs occurred in 85 patients (79.4%) and serious AEs in 44 patients (41.1%). Eighteen patients (16.8%) had AEs suggestive of congestive heart failure.

CONCLUSION

These results support the feasibility of pertuzumab and trastuzumab co-infusion from a safety perspective and support Cohort 1 conclusions that vinorelbine offers an alternative chemotherapy companion for pertuzumab and trastuzumab. The Oncologist 2017;22:1160-1168 IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Combined treatment with pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel is the standard of care for first-line HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. However, some patients cannot, or choose not to, receive docetaxel. VELVET Cohort 2 results support the results from Cohort 1 that suggest that pertuzumab plus trastuzumab and vinorelbine is a suitable alternative for these patients. In addition to this, results from Cohort 2 support the feasibility of administering pertuzumab and trastuzumab together in a single infusion bag, which has the potential to offer greater patient convenience and reduce active health care professional time and medical resource utilization compared with administering them separately.

Cardiotoxicity of ErbB2-targeted therapies and its impact on drug development, a spotlight on trastuzumab

INTRODUCTION

Trastuzumab, a therapeutic monoclonal antibody directed against ErbB2, is often noted as a successful example of targeted therapy. Trastuzumab improved outcomes for many patients with ErbB2-positive breast and gastric cancers, however, cardiac side effects [e.g., left ventricular dysfunction and congestive heart failure (CHF)] were reported in the early phase clinical studies. This finding, subsequently corroborated by multiple clinical studies, raised concerns that the observed cardiotoxicity induced by trastuzumab might adversely impact the clinical development of other therapeutics targeting ErbB family members. Areas covered: In this review we summarize both basic research and clinical findings regarding trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity and assess if there has been an impact of trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity on the development of other agents targeting ErbB family members. Expert opinion: There are a number of scientific gaps that are critically important to address for the continued success of HER2-targeted agents. These include: 1) elucidating the molecular mechanisms contributing to cardiotoxicity; 2) developing relevant preclinical testing systems for predicting cardiotoxicity; 3) developing clinical strategies to identify patients at risk of cardiotoxicity; and 4) enhancing management of clinical symptoms of cardiotoxicity.

An emerging epidemic: cancer and heart failure

Heart disease and cancer are the two leading causes of mortality globally. Cardiovascular complications of cancer therapy significantly contribute to the global burden of cardiovascular disease. Heart failure (HF) in particular is a relatively common and life-threatening complication. The increased risk is driven by the shared risk factors for cancer and HF, the direct impact of cancer therapy on the heart, an existing care gap in the cardiac care of patients with cancer and the increasing population of adult cancer survivors. The clear relationship between cancer treatment initiation and the potential for myocardial injury makes this population attractive for prevention strategies, targeted cardiovascular monitoring and treatment. However, there is currently no consensus on the optimal strategy for managing this at-risk population. Uniform treatment using cardioprotective medications may reduce the incidence of HF, but would impose frequently unnecessary and burdensome side effects. Ideally we could use validated risk-prediction models to target HF-preventive strategies, but currently no such models exist. In the present review, we focus on evidence and rationales for contemporary clinical decision-making in this novel field and discuss issues, including the burden of HF in patients with cancer, the reasons for the elevated risk and potential prevention strategies.

ErbB2 signaling at the crossing between heart failure and cancer

The dual role of ErbB2 (or HER-2) in tumor growth and in physiological adaptive reactions of the heart positions ErbB2 at the intersection between cancer and chronic heart failure. Accordingly, ErbB2-targeted inhibitory therapy of cancer may lead to ventricular dysfunction, and activation of ErbB2 for heart failure therapy may induce malignancy. The molecular processes leading to the activation of ErbB2 in tumors and cardiac cells are, however, fundamentally different from each other. Thus, it must be feasible to design drugs that specifically target either physiological or malignant ErbB2 signaling, to activate ErbB2 signaling in heart failure with no increased risk for cancer, and to inhibit ErbB2 signaling in cancer with no increased risk for heart failure. In this review, we present a state-of-the-art on how ErbB2 is regulated in physiological conditions and in tumor cells and how this knowledge translates into smart drug design. This leads to a new generation of drugs interfering with ErbB2 in a unique way tailored for a specific clinical goal. These exciting developments at the crossing between cancer and heart failure are an elegant example of interdisciplinary collaborations between clinicians, physiologists, pharmacologists, and molecular biologists.

Twenty years of anti-HER2 therapy-associated cardiotoxicity

Over the past 20 years, the prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer has been transformed by the development of anti-HER2 targeted therapies. In early clinical trials of trastuzumab (ie, the first anti-HER2 agent to be developed) cardiotoxicity became a major concern. In the first published phase 3 trial of trastuzumab, 27% of patients receiving anthracyclines and trastuzumab experienced cardiac events and 16% suffered from severe congestive heart failure. In subsequent trials conducted in advanced and early settings, the incidence of cardiac events was reduced through changes in chemotherapy regimens, more strict patient selection and close cardiac assessment. However, cardiotoxicity remains a significant problem in clinical practice that is likely to increase as new agents are approved and exposure times increase through improved patients' survival. Though numerous trials have led to improved understanding of many aspects of anti-HER2 therapy-related cardiotoxicity, its underlying physiopathology mechanisms are not well understood. The purpose of this article is to provide an in-depth review on anti-HER2 therapy-related cardiotoxicity, including data on both trastuzumab and the recently developed anti-HER2 targeted agents.

Targeted Agents for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Optimal Use in Older Patients

The HER2 gene is overexpressed in 15-20 % of all breast cancers. With the advent of HER2-directed therapies, HER2 overexpression is no longer considered an adverse prognostic factor. Despite significant improvements in clinical outcomes with the use of trastuzumab [herceptin (H)], women aged >65 years remain under-represented in most clinical trials. Cardiac safety in the elderly woman is a major concern because of pre-existing comorbidities. However, many studies suggest that elderly patients with HER2-positive disease derive the same benefit from trastuzumab as do their younger counterparts in both adjuvant and metastatic settings. Data are limited guiding safety and efficacy of other HER2 inhibitors such as pertuzumab and trastuzumab emtansine in elderly patients; however, in general, these drugs have a favorable toxicity profile.

Drugs That May Cause or Exacerbate Heart Failure: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Heart failure is a common, costly, and debilitating syndrome that is associated with a highly complex drug regimen, a large number of comorbidities, and a large and often disparate number of healthcare providers. All of these factors conspire to increase the risk of heart failure exacerbation by direct myocardial toxicity, drug-drug interactions, or both. This scientific statement is designed to serve as a comprehensive and accessible source of drugs that may cause or exacerbate heart failure to assist healthcare providers in improving the quality of care for these patients.

Cardiotoxicity of anticancer treatments: Epidemiology, detection, and management

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Cancer and heart disease are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized world. Modern treatment strategies have led to an improvement in the chances of surviving a diagnosis of cancer; however, these gains can come at a cost. Patients may experience adverse cardiovascular events related to their cancer treatment or as a result of an exacerbation of underlying cardiovascular disease. With longer periods of survival, late effects of cancer treatment may become clinically evident years or decades after completion of therapy. Current cancer therapy incorporates multiple agents whose deleterious cardiac effects may be additive or synergistic. Cardiac dysfunction may result from agents that can result in myocyte destruction, such as with anthracycline use, or from agents that appear to transiently affect left ventricular contractility. In addition, cancer treatment may be associated with other cardiac events, such as severe treatment-induced hypertension and vasospastic and thromboembolic ischemia, as well as rhythm disturbances, including QTc prolongation, that may be rarely life-threatening. Early and late effects of chest radiation can lead to radiation-induced heart disease, including pericardial disease, myocardial fibrosis, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, valvular disease, and arrhythmias, in the setting of myocardial fibrosis. The discipline of cardio-oncology has developed in response to the combined decision making necessary to optimize the care of cancer patients, whether they are receiving active treatment or are long-term survivors. Strategies to prevent or mitigate cardiovascular damage from cancer treatment are needed to provide the best cancer care. This review will focus on the common cardiovascular issues that may arise during or after cancer therapy, the detection and monitoring of cardiovascular injury, and the best management principles to protect against or minimize cardiotoxicity during the spectrum of cancer treatment strategies. CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:309-325. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Pertuzumab for the treatment of breast cancer: a safety review

INTRODUCTION

Approximately twenty to thirty percent of newly diagnosed breast cancers are human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive. The use of trastuzumab, and more recently pertuzumab, has significantly improved the progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in this patient population. However, pertuzumab has side effects that can impact treatment tolerability and quality of life.

AREAS COVERED

This review describes the safety and tolerability of pertuzumab, a monoclonal antibody targeted at HER2 approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the neoadjuvant and first line metastatic settings.

EXPERT OPINION

The combination of trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and chemotherapy is approved in the neoadjuvant and first line metastatic settings and should be strongly considered by providers. Further studies are needed to look at side effect prevention, novel pertuzumab containing regimens, and re-treating patients with pertuzumab.

Mechanisms of Cardiotoxicity of Cancer Chemotherapeutic Agents: Cardiomyopathy and Beyond

Tremendous strides have been made in the treatment of various oncological diseases such that patients are surviving longer and are having better quality of life. However, the success has been tainted by the iatrogenic cardiac toxicities. This is especially concerning in the younger population who are facing cardiac disease such as heart failure in their 30s and 40s as the consequence of the anthracycline's side effects (used for childhood leukemia and lymphoma). This resulted in the awareness of cardiotoxic effects of anticancer drugs and emergence of a new discipline: oncocardiology. Since then, numerous anticancer drugs have been correlated to cardiomyopathy. Additionally, other cardiovascular effects have been identified, which includes but is not limited to myocardial infarction, thrombosis, hypertension, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension. In this review we examine some of the anticancer agents that mitigate cardiotoxicity and present current knowledge of molecular mechanism(s). The aim of the review is to ignite awareness of emerging cardiotoxic effects as new generations of anticancer agents are being tested in clinical trials and introduced as part of the therapeutic armamentarium to our oncological patients.

Kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies in oncology: clinical implications

Molecularly targeted cancer therapies, such as small-molecule kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, constitute a rapidly growing and an important part of the oncology armamentarium. Unlike conventional (cytotoxic) chemotherapeutics, targeted therapies were designed to disrupt cancer cell pathogenesis at specific biological points essential for the development and progression of the tumour. These agents were developed to disrupt specific targets with the aim of minimizing treatment burden compared with conventional chemotherapy. Nevertheless the increasingly common use of targeted therapies has revealed some unanticipated, often clinically significant toxic effects, as well as compromising effective palliative and end-of-life management approaches. Although patients and clinicians welcome improvements in cancer prognosis, these changes can also impact patient quality-of-life. Therefore, as demand for oncology expertise increases, physicians need to apprise themselves of targeted therapies and their clinical implications, including drug-specific side effects, impact on quality of life, and cost issues, especially in relation to end-of-life care. This Review provides a useful summary and guide for professionals treating patients with malignant diseases.

Dual HER2 blockade in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a tyrosine kinase transmembrane receptor that is overexpressed on the surface of 15%–20% of breast tumors and has been associated with poor prognosis. Consistently improved pathologic response and survival rates have been demonstrated with use of trastuzumab in combination with standard chemotherapy in both early and advanced breast cancer. However, resistance to trastuzumab may pose a major problem in the effective treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Dual HER2 blockade, using agents that work in a complimentary fashion to trastuzumab, has more recently been explored to evade resistance in both the preoperative (neoadjuvant) and adjuvant settings. Increased effectiveness of dual anti-HER2 agents over single blockade has been recently reported in clinical studies. Pertuzumab in combination with trastuzumab and taxane is currently approved in the metastatic and neoadjuvant treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Various biomarkers have also been investigated to identify subsets of patients with HER2-positive tumors who would likely respond best to these targeted therapy combinations. In this article, available trial data regarding efficacy and toxicity of treatment with combination HER2 agents in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting have been reviewed, and relevant correlative biomarker data from these trials have been discussed.