In the adjuvant setting, is it important that Herceptin be continued for 52 weeks?
• A: The Prescribing Information states that for adjuvant treatment of breast cancer, Herceptin is administered for 52 weeks. In the NSABP B-31 and NCCTG N9831 clinical trials, clinical benefit was reported following 52 weeks of Herceptin therapy (administered weekly) compared with the control group. • The AC→TH regimen resulted in a 52% reduction in relative risk of disease recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.48 [95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.59]; P<0.0001). In the HERA clinical trial, clinical benefit was reported following 52 weeks of Herceptin therapy (administered every 3 weeks) compared with the control group. • Treatment with Herceptin administered on a q3w schedule resulted in a 46% reduction in the relative risk of disease recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.54 [95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.67]; P<0.0001). In the BCIRG trial, clinical benefit was reported following 52 weeks of Herceptin therapy (administered weekly with chemotherapy, q3w following completion of chemotherapy) compared wit
