Intravenous and subcutaneous formulations of trastuzumab, and trastuzumab biosimilars: implications for clinical practice

Br J Cancer. 2021 Apr;124(8):1346-1352. doi: 10.1038/s41416-020-01255-z. Epub 2021 Feb 16.

Abstract

Trastuzumab is a biologic therapy indicated for the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer and metastatic gastric cancer. Trastuzumab was originally approved as an intravenous (IV) formulation but has since been developed for subcutaneous (SC) administration for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Both formulations demonstrate generally comparable pharmacological and clinical profiles. Therefore, when deciding between treatment options, factors such as the route of administration, patient preference, value and cost must be considered. Studies comparing IV with SC trastuzumab indicate that each formulation offers unique advantages to patients depending on their individual needs. Concurrent with the development of SC trastuzumab, IV trastuzumab biosimilars comprise another treatment option that, in view of their reduced cost, might improve patient access and increase cost-effectiveness for healthcare providers and payers. In this review, we seek to raise awareness of the current options available for trastuzumab so that healthcare providers can optimally treat patients according to their individual situations and preferences.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravenous / economics
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals / administration & dosage*
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals / economics
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Subcutaneous / economics
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics
  • Trastuzumab / administration & dosage*
  • Trastuzumab / economics
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals
  • ERBB2 protein, human
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Trastuzumab