Trastuzumab beyond progression in retrospective analyses: an issue of equal opportunities

Oncologist. 2011;16(4):534-6. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2010-0329. Epub 2011 Mar 10.

Abstract

Results of the Hermine study of trastuzumab beyond progression in breast cancer patients, published by Extra and colleagues in The Oncologist, are re-examined and an alternative explanation for the dismal postprogression survival time of patients stopping therapy is presented.

Publication types

  • Comment
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / mortality
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Rate
  • Trastuzumab
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Withholding Treatment

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Trastuzumab