Survival after brain metastases in Asian patients with HER2+ breast cancer.

Abstract

543 Background: HER2+ breast cancer is associated with an increased risk of brain metastases (BM). In Asia there is variable utilization of anti-HER2 therapy including trastuzumab (T) and lapatinib (L). This study described anti-HER2 treatment patterns in Asia and evaluated survival after BM in relation to anti-HER2 therapy use. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 311 Asian patients with HER2+ breast cancer diagnosed with BM between Jan 2006 and Dec 2008 across 14 medical centers in six countries was conducted. Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, and dates of all metastases were collected from medical records. Results: Median age was 50 years (range: 23-80). 43% were premenopausal and 43% hormone receptor positive. 76% had multiple brain lesions; 11% had both parenchymal and leptomeningeal involvement. Brain was the first site of metastases in 21%. Prior to BM, 60% (n=186) received anti-HER2 therapy, primarily T in the metastatic setting. These patients had a longer interval between breas...