Immunotherapy: new options in breast cancer treatment

Abstract

Immunotherapy is a promising new approach in breast cancer treatment, complementing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and antihormonal therapy. Primarily, two treatment options are available which are supported by a rapidly growing body of clinical evidence. These are active specific immunotherapy with Theratope^® and passive immunotherapy targeting the HER-2 receptor with trastuzumab (Herceptin^®). Trastuzumab has a proven efficacy as monotherapy as well as in combination with chemotherapeutic agents in HER-2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer. Trastuzumab is generally well tolerated although cardiotoxicity has been observed, especially when in combination with doxorubicin (Adriamycin^®), where this can be a serious concern. Therefore, less cardiotoxic combinations with docetaxel (Taxotere^®), vinorelbine (Navelbine^®) and epirubicin (Pharmorubicin^®) or cyclophosphamide (Endoxana^®) have been tested. The combination of trastuzumab with paclitaxel (Taxol^®) is well approved. The use of trastuzumab in adjuvant and preoperative therapy is currently being examined in controlled trials. After a brief outline of immunotherapy with Theratope and trastuzumab, this article reviews recent and ongoing clinical studies conducted with trastuzumab.

• active specific immunotherapy
• HER-2
• metastatic breast cancer
• passive immunotherapy
• Theratope
• trastuzumab