Exploring Real-World HER2-Low Data in Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Insights and Implications

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the clinical behavior, clinicopathological and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who belong to the HER2-low and HER2-zero subgroups. Patients and Methods: This study involved a thorough search in the internal database of a single Brazilian institution to identify women with TNBC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by curative surgery within the period from January 2010 to December 2014. HER2 analysis through immunohistochemistry (IHC) and, if required, amplification by in situ hybridization, was conducted using core biopsy samples. The study assesses outcomes of residual cancer burden (RCB), event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 170 cases were analyzed, with a mean age of 51.4 years (standard deviation, SD 11.2). The HER2 status was categorized as IHC 0, 1+, or 2+ in 80 (47.1%), 73 (42.9%), and 17 (10%) patients, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of clinical pathological characteristics among the subgroups. The absence of significant results for clinicopathological and demographic features hindered the multivariate analysis of HER2 subgroups. Similarly, no significant differences were found in the RCB, EFS, and OS outcomes between HER2 subgroups. Conclusion:The findings of this study suggest that, in early-stage TNBC, the clinical behavior and survival outcomes of the HER2low subgroup may not differ significantly from those of the HER2-zero subgroup.

Breast cancer in northern Peru: molecular subtypes and HER2 low

“…The molecular classification has not changed and HER2 low cannot be considered a molecular subtype, but it is important to recognize these patients since in the DESTINY-Breast04 clinical trial, trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) demonstrated that even fewer HER2 receptors on cancer cells may be sufficient for clinical benefit 20 , 21 . Evaluation of this subgroup, especially in those triple-negative patients, is vital as it will allow targeted therapies, new clinical trials and the development of more accurate techniques to assess HER2 status 22 .…”

“…La clasificación molecular no ha cambiado y HER2 low no puede ser considerado un subtipo molecular, pero es importante reconocer a estos pacientes dado que en el ensayo clínico DESTINY-Breast04, trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) demostró que incluso menos receptores HER2 en las células cancerosas pueden ser suficientes para obtener beneficio clínico 20 , 21 . La evaluación de este subgrupo, en especial en aquellos pacientes triple negativo, es vital ya que permitirá terapias específicas, nuevos ensayos clínicos y el desarrollo de técnicas más precisas para evaluar el estado de HER2 ( 22 .…”