Exploring the feasibility and utility of exome-scale tumour sequencing in a clinical setting.

Background: Technology has progressed from single gene panel to large-scale genomic sequencing. This is raising expectations from clinicians and patients alike. The utility and performance of this technology in a clinical setting needs to be evaluated.

Systemic treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer: a systematic review.

Aim: We aimed to systematically review and summarize data from the available clinical trials that examined the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Methods: We reviewed phase 2 and 3 studies in which an anti-HER2 agent was used in one or both arms of the study. While formal meta-analysis was not possible for such a heterogeneous group of trials, resulting forest plots outline some generalizable findings.

Rational use of trastuzumab in metastatic and locally advanced breast cancer: implications of recent research.

The management of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, a disease renowned for its aggressive natural history, has been revolutionized by the introduction of trastuzumab. Indeed, outcomes for patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer are now equivalent to, if not better than, those of their HER2-negative counterparts. Since the pivotal registration trial, a wealth of new clinical data has emerged regarding the use of trastuzumab in a variety of clinical contexts - adding to the evidence but also highlighting areas of uncertainly and debate.

Randomized phase II trial of the efficacy and safety of trastuzumab combined with docetaxel in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive metastatic breast cancer administered as first-line treatment: the M77001 study group.

Purpose: This randomized, multicenter trial compared first-line trastuzumab plus docetaxel versus docetaxel alone in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) -positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Patients And Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to six cycles of docetaxel 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks, with or without trastuzumab 4 mg/kg loading dose followed by 2 mg/kg weekly until disease progression.

Results: A total of 186 patients received at least one dose of the study drug.

Phase III study of letrozole versus tamoxifen as first-line therapy of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women: analysis of survival and update of efficacy from the International Letrozole Breast Cancer Group.

Purpose: To analyze overall survival (OS) and update efficacy data for letrozole versus tamoxifen as first-line therapy in postmenopausal women with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

Patients And Methods: This multicenter phase III trial randomly assigned 916 patients with hormone receptor-positive or unknown tumors letrozole 2.5 mg (n = 458) or tamoxifen 20 mg (n = 458) daily until disease progression.