Neoadjuvant combination of trastuzumab and chemotherapy resulted in a high pCR rate in HER2-overexpressing primary breast cancer. Patients with a pCR after neoadjuvant anti-HER2 therapy in combination with chemotherapy followed by maintenance trastuzumab have an improved long-term outcome. Patients without a pCR had an increased risk for relapse and death.

NCT 00567554, www.clinicaltrials.gov.

These data suggest that the favorable lipid profile seen in women may be associated with preserved maximal blood flow in the myocardium.