Patients with HER2 positive breast cancer represent20% of breast cancer cases. One of the adjuvant treatments, ie, performed after a definitive treatment, such as mastectomy, is Tratuzumab for 12 months.
Although this treatment reduced the number of breast câncer relapses by 40% and the number of deaths by 34%, according to data from 2012, analyzed by the Cochrane group, its cost is very high. This represents a barrier to SUS because it can not meet the demand of patients.
Persephone study
This study was presented at the Congress of the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2018. Overall, data demonstrating that treatment with Trastuzumab for 6 months is as effective as the standard 12-month treatment was presented during the Congress.
Also, the study presented a reduction of side effects in patients.
SBOC Positioning
According to the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology, although not all the data on the research were presented, it brings very important information, especially for Brazil.
A shorter treatment would reduce costs to public health, making it possible to serve a larger number of patients.
According to the SBOC, although the 6 months treatment has been effective, it is important to individualize this behavior. Not all cases can be treated in the same way and the patient's choice must also be taken into account.
For example, patients with tumors smaller than 12 cm and with axilla negative and patients with locally advanced tumor and axilla with more than 4 lymph nodes should continue with the standard treatment of chemotherapy and 6 months of Trastuzumab. Other patients may receive reduced-time treatment.
The Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology underscores the commendable effort of the British government to fund research, with the goal of improving public health and better managing available resources. A great example for Brazil.
Source: SBOC