Dr. Esteva on the Impact of Subcutaneous Pertuzumab/Trastuzumab in HER2+ Breast Cancer

Francisco Javier Esteva, MD, PhD, chief, Breast Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, discusses the clinical implications of the fixed-dose regimen comprised of subcutaneous trastuzumab (Herceptin) and pertuzumab (Perjeta) in the treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.

The phase 3 FeDeriCa trial (NCT03493854) evaluated a novel formula of trastuzumab and pertuzumab, and demonstrated similar pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy between the fixed-dose subcutaneous administration and the standard intravenous infusion, according to Esteva. This combination represented a significant contribution to the treatment of this patient population, and was approved by the FDA in June 2020, Esteva adds.

This approach is often used in the clinic because it saves time for patients and requires fewer resources, Esteva explains. The favorable outcomes achieved with the regimen make it an exciting development for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, Esteva concludes.