Advances in targeting HER2-positive breast cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and HER2-positive disease comprises about 15% of all breast cancer cases. Over the last few years, substantial advances have been made in treatment of early breast cancer (EBC) and advanced (ABC) HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer. The present review summarizes the major publications on HER2+ breast cancer in the year 2017 and discusses their clinical relevance.

RECENT FINDINGS: The clinically most relevant data in 2017 relates to the EBC setting. The St. Gallen Consensus 2017 for the first time recommended neoadjuvant treatment as standard of care in HER2+ EBC. Moreover, the APHINITY trial demonstrated efficacy of adjuvant dual antibody-based HER2 blockade. Data in MBC mostly confirmed established treatment strategies.

SUMMARY: Clinical data presented in 2017 for HER2+ breast cancer confirmed current guidelines and extended treatment options for patients. First intriguing steps were made towards de-escalation in the EBC setting.