Combination of radiotherapy and targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer brain metastases

Abstract

Radiotherapy and targeted therapy are essential treatments for patients with brain metastases from human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. However, the combination of radiotherapy and targeted therapy still needs to be investigated, and neurotoxicity induced by radiotherapy for brain metastases has also become an important issue of clinical concern. It remained unclear how to achieve the balance of efficacy and toxicity with the application of new radiotherapy techniques and new targeted therapy drugs. This article reviews the benefits and potential risk of combining radiotherapy and targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer with brain metastases.

Stereotactic Radiation Therapy for Brain Metastases: Factors Affecting Outcomes and Radiation Necrosis

“…Controversial is the risk brought by T-DM1, an antibody–drug conjugate (trastuzumab and emtansine) that plays a role in the inflammatory response characterized by increased levels of cytokines including tumor necrosis factor. A significantly higher RN has been reported in a series of patients treated with concomitant T-DM1 for HER2+ breast cancer brain metastases [ 38 , 39 ]. Significantly increased risks of post-SRT necrosis were observed also with concomitant use of VEGFR and EGRF tyrosine kinase inhibitors.…”

153Sm-labeled Fe3O4@lapatinib nanoparticles as a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer: synthesis, quality control, and in vivo evaluation

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