[HER-2 expression in local advanced breast cancer and the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the relationship between HER-2 expression and the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in local advanced breast cancer.

METHODS:

Different neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens, namely CMF, CEF, and NEF, were administered in 132 patients with local advanced breast cancer for 2 cycles, each lasting for 28 days. According to the criteria recommended by WHO, the efficacy and safety of the regimens were evaluated after two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. HER-2 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry using specific monoclonal antibodies before chemotherapy and after surgery.

RESULTS:

The overall response rate (RR) of CMF, CEF, and NEF regimens were 39.5% (17/43), 54.3% (25/46) and 72.1% (31/43), with incidence of leukopenia of 34.9% (15/43), 58.7% (27/46) and 60.5% (26/43), respectively. Other adverse effects including decreased hemoglobin (Hb) level, thrombocytopenia, gastrointestinal irritation and alopecia were similar between the 3 groups (P>0.05). No significant variation in HER-2 expression occurred after administration of the 3 regimens. The overall RR to CMF regimen in HER-2-negative breast cancer patients was significantly higher than that in HER-2-positive patients, but showed no significant difference with CEF and NEF regimens.

CONCLUSION:

HER-2 expression is not decreased after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, and HER-2-positive breast cancer can be resistant to CMF regimen, but not to CEF and NEF regimens.

• Authors: Zhi-jun Dai, Xi-jing Wang, Zong-fang Li, Hua-feng Kang, Bao-shan Su, Xiao-xu Liu, Feng-jie Xue, Xing-huan Xue
• Journal: Nan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University (Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao) Vol. 27 Issue 9 Pg. 1397-9 (Sep 2007) ISSN: 1673-4254 [Print] China
• PMID: 17884787 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Receptor, ErbB-2

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Breast Neoplasms (drug therapy, genetics, pathology, therapy)
• Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
• Female
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic (drug effects)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neoadjuvant Therapy (adverse effects, methods)
• Receptor, ErbB-2 (metabolism)
• Treatment Outcome