193P A national retrospective multicentre audit of long-term trastuzumab use in metastatic breast cancer: Breast Cancer Trainees Collaborative Group

Abstract

Approximately 25% of breast cancers overexpress HER2 which was previously associated with a poor prognosis [Eiermann 2001]. The addition of anti-HER2 targeted agents has improved prognosis for metastatic HER2-positive patients [Slamon 2001]. UK guidance is to continue trastuzumab until evidence of extra-cranial disease progression [NICE TA34 2002]. Complete radiological responses are not uncommon, ranging from 15-20% [Beda 2007]. Long term trastuzumab is not without impact on quality of life, risk of cardiotoxicity and cost.