AstraZeneca, known for its significant contributions to healthcare, including a COVID-19 vaccine, has recently made headlines again. On September 19, during the 2021 European Society of Medical Oncology conference, the company unveiled promising results from a clinical trial of a new breast cancer therapy.
The drug, Enhertu, demonstrated a remarkable 72% reduction in the risk of death or disease progression for patients with HER-2-positive metastatic breast cancer, outperforming the current treatment standard. Susan Carter, AstraZeneca’s executive vice president of Oncology R&D, emphasized the drug’s life-saving potential, stating that these unprecedented findings could transform the treatment landscape for HER-2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, with over 250,000 new invasive cases expected annually. The presence of the HER-2 protein indicates a more aggressive disease, affecting about 20% of breast cancer patients. Given these alarming statistics, the prospect of a treatment capable of significantly improving outcomes is incredibly promising.
Clinical Trial Results
In a head-to-head trial, Enhertu was compared with TDM1, the existing standard of care for HER-2-positive breast cancer. The study involved 500 patients across 15 countries, with half receiving TDM1 and half treated with Enhertu. The results were striking: after one year, 65% of the TDM1 group experienced disease progression or death, while under 25% of Enhertu patients faced the same fate. Additionally, the period without tumor growth or spread increased dramatically from 7.2 months to 25.1 months for those on Enhertu, translating to more than two years without disease progression.
Moreover, around 80% of patients treated with Enhertu saw their tumors shrink, with some cases showing no detectable tumors on imaging tests. While Enhertu is currently FDA-approved only for certain advanced cases, its impressive results suggest it could soon become the preferred treatment following standard chemotherapy.
Safety and Side Effects
As with most cancer therapies, Enhertu is not without potential side effects, including impacts on heart and lung function. However, AstraZeneca reported no significant safety concerns during the trial, and experts like Dr. Lisa Monroe from the Cleveland Clinic noted that side effects were minimal for most patients. Patients are always encouraged to discuss the benefits and risks of treatments with their healthcare providers.
Hope for Patients
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be terrifying, especially when paired with a bleak prognosis. The arrival of a transformative treatment like Enhertu offers hope for patients battling HER-2-positive breast cancer. AstraZeneca is also exploring the drug’s effectiveness for other HER-2-positive cancers, such as stomach and lung cancers, further expanding the potential impact of this groundbreaking therapy.
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In summary, AstraZeneca’s Enhertu has the potential to change the treatment landscape for HER-2-positive metastatic breast cancer, offering a more effective option for patients and instilling hope in those facing this aggressive disease.
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