Affiliation:
1. National Medical Research Centre of Oncology n. a. N. N. Blokhin; Russian National Research Medical University n. a. N. I. Pirogov; Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute n. a. M. F. Vladimirsky
2. National Medical Research Centre of Oncology n. a. N. N. Blokhin
Abstract
The development and introduction into widespread practice of anti-HER2 agents has changed the natural course of HER2-positive breast cancer, significantly increasing the chance of cure in early forms and significantly increasing the life expectancy of patients with metastatic disease. The results of clinical trials indicate a significant increase in the frequency of achieving complete pathological regress and improved survival rates when using the combination of trastuzumab + pertuzumab in neoadjuvant therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer, which is reflected in modern national and international guidelines. However, the use of drugs in real clinical practice is associated with a whole range of factors and may differ from standard recommendations. To understand the situation in the Russian Federation, a survey study ‘Therapy of HER2-positive breast cancer’ was conducted. 50 specialists – heads of drug therapy departments and/or their deputies who are directly involved in the development of a treatment plan for patients, were involved in the survey. It allows to reflect the preferences of leading chemotherapists regarding treatment strategies for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer in Russian Federation. This publication highlights the results of a survey on the prescription of neoadjuvant therapy for primary resectable and locally advanced unresectable HER2-positive breast cancer. Most experts prefer to use combinations with pertuzumab. In real clinical practice, 62% of patients receive dual anti-HER2 therapy. In the future, experts are ready to increase the percentage of prescribing pertuzumab for early HER2-positive breast cancer for more 16–20%. Based on the results of large randomized trials, this should improve long-term outcomes in one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer.
Subject
Materials Chemistry,Economics and Econometrics,Media Technology,Forestry