In this episode of Emerging Experts, Paolo Tarantino, MD, discusses the latest developments in breast cancer research and treatment.
0:27 | Introduction
0:56 | Focus on HER2 and ADCs
2:38 | HER2-Low Challenges
5:20 | Identifying HER2-Low BC
6:50 | Treatment Approaches
8:20 | Background on ADCs
12:21 | ADC Trials
16:11 | Revolutionizing Treatments in BC
19:09 | Personalizing Treatment
23:12 | Tarantino's Role on Social Media
27:21 | Tarantino's Advice
In this episode of Emerging Experts, Paolo Tarantino, MD, researcher at the European Institute of Oncology and clinical research fellow at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the latest developments in breast cancer research and treatment, focusing on the evolving understanding of HER2-low breast cancer subtypes and the potential advantages of using antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
Tarantino's journey into breast cancer research was inspired by the complexity of the disease. Having witnessed the transformative impact of fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (T-DXd; Enhertu) in clinical trials, he was particularly drawn to HER2-low breast cancer and novel ADCs.
"Seeing this profound success really drove my interest in antibody-drug conjugates and HER2 in general," he explains.
Tarantino delves into the evolving landscape of breast cancer therapy, particularly focusing on the challenges surrounding the HER2-low breast cancer subtypes—a topic that has been of significant interest and debate in recent years. Classifying the HER2-low subtype is key as it directly impacts treatment strategies, particularly the use of innovative ADCs.
ADCs offer a more targeted approach to treatment for patients with cancer compared with traditional chemotherapy. However, experts still are challenged with determining the right patients for ADC treatment.
"ADCs are just smarter and more effective chemotherapies," he says, adding that there is still much to learn about their long-term benefits and applications.
In HER2-positive breast cancer, ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1; Kadcyla), was the first ADC to be approved in 2013, based on data from the KATHERINE study (NCT01772472).1 This was followed by T-DXd, which was granted accelerated approval for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who had received 2 or more prior HER2-targeted therapies in the metastatic setting.2
He also shares information on an exciting therapy awaiting FDA approval: datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd; DS-1062a). Dato-DXd was studied in the phase 3 TROPION-Breast01trial (NCT05104866).3
“[Dato-DXd] is another ADC that showed activity and that is also more active than chemotherapy, and that may be approved soon,” he explains.
Looking ahead, Tarantino sees both challenges and opportunities in the field of HER2-targeted therapies and ADCs. One significant challenge is the sequencing of ADCs and managing their toxicities. However, he remains optimistic about the potential of emerging technologies and personalized medicine, saying “the next 5 years will be key."
Beyond the clinic, Tarantino shares his approach to staying connected with the broader oncology community through social media platforms. He discusses how he leverages social media to disseminate research findings, engage with peers, and stay on top of the latest developments in the field.
“Social media is really allowing scientific information to move so much faster than it ever did in the past," he shares.
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