Less is more: shorter trastuzumab treatment for HER2+ breast cancer is effective, cheaper and yields better adherence than standard therapy

Around 15 –20% of breast cancers show amplification (increased number of gene copies) or overexpression (increased production of protein) of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). These patients have highly proliferative tumours and decreased expression of oestrogen and progesterone receptors, alongside positive axillary lymph nodes (to which cancer has spread). These patients are at high risk of cancer recurrence and death.
Source: Clinical Pharmacist - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research