Women treated with Herceptin (trastuzumab) in combination with chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer showed that after five years the risk of congestive heart failure did not increase with time.
The findings of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) were presented at the 43rd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago last week.
Heart damage occurs in around 5 percent of patients treated with Herceptin. It is the most significant side effect; women with existing heart conditions cannot take the drug. The study showed that women were either susceptible to heart problems or they weren't. The risk of long-term problems is the same as the risk that is there from the beginning.
Results of the study showed:
- Herceptin provides a clear benefit for women with HER-2 positive breast cancer.
- The incidence of congestive heart failure is greater when women did take Herceptin.
- At five years follow up the incidence of heart failure was unchanged.
The researchers did develop a model to assess the likelihood of heart failure in patients that were considering adding Herceptin to their treatment plan. The model takes into account blood pressure, age and data on heart function. This could help to individualize treatment for the patients to see who is at the greatest risk for Herceptin's worst side effect.
