Dr. Cobleigh on the Focus of Future Research in HER2+ Breast Cancer

Melody A. Cobleigh, MD, a professor of medical oncology at Rush University Medical Center, discusses the focus of future research in HER2-positive breast cancer.

One of the goals of future research should be to eliminate the need for chemotherapy, says Cobleigh. That may become a reality with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which are essentially a less toxic form of traditional cytotoxics. Additionally, some of the bispecific antibodies that are trying to bring the immune system to the HER2 receptor is a very promising area of research.

For patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-positive breast cancer, there is an interesting trial in which investigators are looking at an all-oral therapy in metastatic breast cancer. Specifically, the trial is testing the combination of palbociclib (Ibrance) plus a TKI. These types of approaches are important, as approximately 70% of patients will present with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer that is positive for both HR and HER2.