| Abstract: |
The neoadjuvant strategy, initially developed to render primary inoperable tumors operable, is now increasingly being utilized for patients with triple-negative and HER2 positive breast cancer in clinical trials in order to assess for response and resistance with the incorporation of tissue biopsy studies. Pathological complete response (pCR) has been accepted as a primary endpoint in a number of neoadjuvant trials for operable HER2+ disease. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the knowledge gained from neoadjuvant trials conducted with HER2 directed agents to date, focuses on the concept of dual blockade of HER2, highlights the importance of predictive biomarkers, and finally puts them into perspective with current treatment recommendations and future research and trends. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York. |
