Two Sets of Researchers Find Herceptin Cost Effective

Publication
Article
Oncology NEWS InternationalOncology NEWS International Vol 16 No 3
Volume 16
Issue 3

Two groups of researchers have separately concluded that use of Herceptin (trastuzumab) in combination with standard anthracycline-based chemotherapy is cost effective as adjuvant therapy for early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia—Two groups of researchers have separately concluded that use of Herceptin (trastuzumab) in combination with standard anthracycline-based chemotherapy is cost effective as adjuvant therapy for early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer (J Clin Oncol 25:625-633; 634-641, 2007). Herceptin costs $50,000 to $65,000 for a 1-year course of adjuvant treatment.

The first study, by Italian researchers, found that adjuvant Herceptin improved 15-year disease-free survival from 39% to 52%, and 15-year overall survival from 44% to 58%. This translates into preventing one relapse in six treated patients. The researchers concluded that the cost per life-year saved is $19,000, a cost that is far less than some other highly accepted breast cancer treatments. These researchers based their analysis on the use of anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy (doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide) plus Herceptin.

Researchers at Stanford analyzed the costs and health benefits of doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel plus Herceptin. They found a cost per life-year saved of under $40,000, comparable to or less than many accepted therapies, including those for early-stage breast cancer. Herceptin plus a non-anthracycline-based regimen—docetaxel (Taxotere) and carboplatin—was found to be less cost effective than Herceptin plus the anthracycline-based regimen.

Recent Videos
Heather Zinkin, MD, states that reflexology improved pain from chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer.
Study findings reveal that patients with breast cancer reported overall improvement in their experience when receiving reflexology plus radiotherapy.
Patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer were offered 15-minute nurse-led reflexology sessions to increase energy and reduce stress and pain.
Whole or accelerated partial breast ultra-hypofractionated radiation in older patients with early breast cancer may reduce recurrence with low toxicity.
Ultra-hypofractionated radiation in those 65 years or older with early breast cancer yielded no ipsilateral recurrence after a 10-month follow-up.
The unclear role of hypofractionated radiation in older patients with early breast cancer in prior trials incentivized research for this group.
Patients with HR-positive, HER2-positive breast cancer and high-risk features may derive benefit from ovarian function suppression plus endocrine therapy.
Paolo Tarantino, MD discusses updated breast cancer trial findings presented at ESMO 2024 supporting the use of agents such as T-DXd and ribociclib.
Paolo Tarantino, MD, discusses the potential utility of agents such as datopotamab deruxtecan and enfortumab vedotin in patients with breast cancer.
Paolo Tarantino, MD, highlights strategies related to screening and multidisciplinary collaboration for managing ILD in patients who receive T-DXd.
Related Content