American journal of clinical oncology
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Am. J. Clin. Oncol. · Apr 2010
ReviewTrastuzumab-based therapy for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer: from early scientific development to foundation of care.
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene amplification or protein overexpression occurs in 20% to 25% of breast tumors, often leading to an aggressive disease course and poor clinical outcomes. Successful targeting of HER2-positive tumors in preclinical models with trastuzumab has translated to the clinic. In HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC), trastuzumab provides significant clinical benefit as a monotherapy and in combination with numerous chemotherapies. ⋯ Clinical success in the metastatic setting provided the rationale for assessing trastuzumab in early breast cancer. Four large trials of adjuvant trastuzumab demonstrated significant improvements in disease-free survival (33%-52%) and overall survival (34%-41%) despite tumor size, nodal or hormone-receptor status, and age. New approaches to maximize the clinical benefit of trastuzumab-based therapy are under investigation and include novel combinations with other targeted therapies such as bevacizumab, pertuzumab, and lapatinib.
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Am. J. Clin. Oncol. · Apr 2010
Cetuximab, paclitaxel, carboplatin, and radiation for head and neck cancer: a toxicity analysis.
To determine the feasibility and toxicity of the addition of cetuximab to paclitaxel, carboplatin, and concurrent radiation for patients with head and neck cancer. ⋯ Cetuximab, when combined with paclitaxel, carboplatin and intensity modulated radiation therapy, increases dermatologic toxicity but does not increase mucosal toxicity as compared with previous Brown University Oncology Group studies of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and conventional radiation for patients with head and neck cancer.
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Am. J. Clin. Oncol. · Apr 2010
Concomitant cisplatin, paclitaxel, and hyperfractionated radiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck cancer: comparison of two different schedules.
To determine feasibility and efficacy of concurrent paclitaxel and cisplatin with definitive hyperfractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) in locally advanced head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). ⋯ HFRT combined with cisplatin and paclitaxel is very active but at the expense of severe toxicity. Efficacy and toxicity in studies.1 and 2 were not different despite completely different treatment strategies (chemotherapy dose intensity vs. radiotherapy dose intensity).