Soliman’s Key Takeaways for Managing HER2+ Breast Cancer

Hatem Soliman, MD, an associate member of the breast oncology program, and medical director of the clinical trials office, Moffitt Cancer Center, highlights the crucial role of HER2 targeting and staying informed about evolving treatment options for better patient outcomes in the HER2-positive breast cancer space.

Soliman explains the importance of targeting the HER2 gene in treating patients. He notes that community oncologists should prioritize HER2 targeting and consider incorporating HER2-targeting drugs like trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) in treatment plans.

Further, he explains the importance of being aware of specific drug toxicities and staying updated on new therapies.

Transcription:

0:10 | My main advice would be, the HER2 gene remains the dominant target to try to afford the best chance of controlling disease and improving [patient] outcomes. It's critical for a community oncologist to think about how they can incorporate HER2 targeting in whatever treatment plan they come up with for the patient. They do have to be cognizant of the fact that many of these agents will have slightly different toxicity profiles that they have to pay attention to.

0:50 | For example, with trastuzumab deruxtecan, it's been well publicized and known that this can sometimes cause some lung toxicities that have to be monitored carefully, in order to avoid the toxicity from becoming excessive or potentially life threatening. They have to involve their colleagues, their subspecialty colleagues, such as pulmonary doctors, as well when managing these patients alongside them so that they can provide the highest level of care while also maintaining that level of safety for the patients while they're getting treated with these new agents.

1:25 | As new agents come online, it's going to be important for community oncologists to reach out to subject matter experts to educators to look at these programs that may be available to educate them on how to best handle these new drugs coming online, and, what toxicities they need to anticipate so that they can, again, provide the optimal care for their patients in clinic going forward.