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Better Assessment of Response to HER2+ Treatment

Ann Surg Oncol; ePub 2016 Nov 8; De La Cruz, et al

Complete pathologic response to HER2+ breast cancer treatment is better assessed via the presence of high anti-HER2Th1 response than with MRI, according to a retrospective review involving 30 individuals.

Investigators asked a blinded breast radiologist to look at MRI reports. They also assessed post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy and anti-HER2-targeted therapy, as well as anti-HER2Th1 response. Responses were cross-tabulated with pathologic response. Among the results:

  • 13 patients achieved complete pathologic response.
  • The average anti-HER2Th1 response in those achieving complete pathologic response was 167; it was 24 in those who attained <complete pathologic response.
  • The anti-HER2Th1 response was superior to the original posttreatment MRI; it was also more accurate than the blinded MRI review.

Citation:

De La Cruz L, McDonald E, Mick R, et al. Anti-HER2 CD4+ T-helper type 1 immune response is superior to breast MRI for assessing response to neoadjuvant therapy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. [Published online ahead of print November 8, 2016]. Ann Surg Oncol. doi:10.1245/s10434-016-5651-z.