Trastuzumab in combination with weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin as neo-adjuvant treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer: The TRAIN-study

Mette S. van Ramshorst, Erik van Werkhoven, Ingrid A.M. Mandjes, Margaret Schot, Jelle Wesseling, Marie Jeanne T.F.D. Vrancken Peeters, Jetske M. Meerum Terwogt, Monique M E M Bos, Hendrika M Oosterkamp, Sjoerd Rodenhuis, Sabine C. Linn, Gabe S Sonke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Aim To determine the efficacy and safety of an anthracycline-free neo-adjuvant regimen consisting of weekly paclitaxel, carboplatin and trastuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer. Patients and methods Patients with stage II or III HER2-positive breast cancer received weekly paclitaxel ([P], 70 mg/m2), trastuzumab ([T], 2 mg/kg, loading dose 4 mg/kg) and carboplatin ([C], AUC = 3 mg ml−1 min) for 24 weeks. In weeks 7, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 24, trastuzumab was administered without chemotherapy. The primary end-point was pathologic complete response in the surgical resection specimen, defined as the absence of invasive tumour cells in breast and axilla. Results One hundred and eleven patients were included in the study, and 108 were evaluable for the primary end-point. The pathologic complete response rate was 43% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33–52). Median follow-up was 52 months, and the 3-year event-free survival was 88% (95% CI: 82–94), and the 3-year overall survival was 92% (95% CI: 88–98). The most common grade 3–4 adverse events were neutropenia (67%) and thrombocytopenia (43%). Less than five percent of patients experienced febrile neutropenia. No symptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction was observed during neo-adjuvant treatment. Conclusion An anthracycline-free neo-adjuvant regimen of weekly paclitaxel, trastuzumab and carboplatin is highly effective in HER2-positive breast cancer with manageable toxicity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)47-54
Number of pages8
JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer
Volume74
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2017

Keywords

  • Breast cancer
  • Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
  • Neo-adjuvant treatment
  • Trastuzumab

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