Atezolizumab, Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment of HER2 positive early high-risk and locally advanced breast cancer (APTneo)
This study is for women with a specific type of breast cancer that tests positive for HER2, which can be more aggressive. Researchers are testing new combinations of medicines given before surgery to see if they can effectively shrink the cancer and prevent it from returning. The main goal is to understand if these newer treatments improve how long people live without the cancer coming back. The study also looks at how much the treatments shrink the tumour, how they affect overall survival, and their safety. This is a large, advanced-stage study, meaning these treatments have already been tested to some extent and are now being thoroughly checked for their benefits.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called APTneo, is looking into new ways to treat a specific kind of breast cancer. This cancer is known as 'HER2 positive,' which means it has a lot of a certain protein that helps cancer cells grow quickly. The study is for women whose HER2 positive breast cancer is either quite advanced or considered high-risk, meaning it might be more likely to spread.
Doctors in this study are giving a combination of different medications *before* surgery. This approach is called 'neo-adjuvant treatment.' The idea is to shrink the tumour as much as possible before it's removed with surgery. The medicines being tested are Tecentriq, Perjeta, Kadcyla, and Phesgo. These medicines work in different ways to fight cancer, often by boosting the body's own immune system or by directly targeting the HER2 protein.
The main goal is to see if these new treatment combinations can help women stay free from cancer events (like the cancer coming back or spreading) for longer. Researchers also want to find out if these treatments can completely get rid of all cancer cells in the breast and lymph nodes by the time of surgery (this is called a 'pathological complete response'). They will also be looking at overall survival, which means how long people live after treatment. By understanding these things, doctors hope to find better ways to treat HER2 positive breast cancer and improve the lives of women affected by it.
Key takeaways
- Targets HER2 positive breast cancer before surgery.
- Compares new combinations of existing cancer drugs.
- Aims to see if these drugs can stop cancer from returning after treatment.
- Involves regular check-ups and monitoring.
- Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw anytime.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for women aged 18 years and older. There is no upper age limit, so suitable women of any adult age can take part. To be considered for the study, you must have a confirmed diagnosis of invasive breast cancer that is HER2 positive. This means your cancer has a specific marker that the study drugs target.
Your cancer would also need to be considered either 'high-risk' or 'locally advanced.' This generally means the cancer is more aggressive or has grown beyond the initial site but hasn't spread to distant parts of the body. Your care team will be able to tell you if your specific breast cancer meets these criteria.
There might be other health conditions or previous treatments that would mean you couldn't join the study, but your doctor would discuss all of these details with you to see if you are a good fit for the research.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you female?
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer?
- Has your breast cancer been tested and found to be HER2 positive?
- Has your doctor told you your cancer is 'high-risk' or 'locally advanced'?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you would receive the study medications (Phesgo, Perjeta, Kadcyla, or Tecentriq) as part of your treatment plan. These medicines are usually given as injections or infusions (drips) before your surgery. You would have regular appointments at the hospital or clinic. These appointments are important for doctors to monitor how you're responding to the treatment, check for any side effects, and keep track of your general health.
During these visits, you might have blood tests, scans (like ultrasounds or MRI), and physical examinations. These tests help the medical team understand if the treatment is shrinking your tumour and if you are coping well with the medication. Your treatment with the study drugs would continue for a certain period before your surgery, as determined by the study plan. After your surgery, the research team will continue to follow up with you. This follow-up period can last for several years to track your long-term health and see if the cancer returns. The total duration of your active treatment would be a few months, but the follow-up period can be much longer.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (6)
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Common questions
What does 'HER2 positive' breast cancer mean?
It means the cancer cells have a lot of a protein called HER2, which can make the cancer grow faster. Specific treatments can target this protein.
What is 'neo-adjuvant treatment'?
This is treatment, like chemotherapy or targeted drugs, given *before* surgery to shrink the tumour and make surgery more effective.
What are the main things the researchers want to find out?
The main things are how long people live without the cancer coming back, how much the tumour shrinks before surgery, and overall survival.
Are the drugs in this study new?
Some of the drugs are already approved for breast cancer, but this study looks at new combinations of them to see if they work even better together for specific situations.
Who can I talk to if I'm interested?
You should speak to your own cancer doctor or oncology team. They can tell you if this study might be suitable for your specific situation.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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