Study of Immunotherapy Combinations for Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Ian Krop, MD, PhD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, presents results from the AVIATOR trial, which included patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. The study looked at the treatment of patients with trastuzumab and whether the addition of immune therapies extended survival.

While trastuzumab works in part by activating a patient’s immune system to attack cancer cells, Krop said over time the tumors can develop a resistance to the drug. Studies have shown that adding immune therapy can help restore effectiveness in at least a small percentage of patients. 

As part of the AVIATOR trial, patients were broken up into three groups. One group will receive chemotherapy and trastuzumab; a second group will receive chemotherapy, trastuzumab and one immune therapy; and a third group will receive the same combination with one additional immune therapy. For patients who receive only chemotherapy and trastuzumab, if they do not respond to the treatment initially, they will then receive the immune therapies. 

Patients in the study visit Dana Farber three times per month, have CT scans every six weeks, and have a biopsy after the first six weeks. Some patients require an additional biopsy if they haven’t had one in the past year. 

By Adam Hochron

Video Source: Youtube.com

Video Credit: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

 

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