A patient with breast cancer with hepatic metastases and a complete response to herceptin as monotherapy

Abstract

The majority of deaths due to breast cancer occur in the context of complications secondary to metastatic disease. Trastuzumab, as a second line treatment, has shown a 15% objective response rate in patients with metastatic breast cancer. We present the case of a patient with two breast tumours, the second of more aggressive characteristics, with negative hormone receptors and c-erb-B2 +++, and with few therapeutic options due to her hepatic insufficiency secondary to metastatic disease; she was administered herceptin as monotherapy, and she had a complete clinical response. Trastuzumab has revolutionised the management of patients with metastatic breast cancer and Her-2- neu overexpression. Its combination with chemotherapy agents achieves a synergic activity.