Editor's Note:
At the 2023 SABCS congress, We interviewed with Dr. Santiago Escriva-de-Romani from Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), explored the revolutionary advancements in breast cancer treatment, focusing on the introduction of the groundbreaking anti-HER2 antibody, Zaniratamab. The conversation delveed into the clinical outcomes and implications of combining Zaniratamab with Palbociclib and Fulvestrant for HER2-positive hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer.
Oncology Frontier: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Santiago Escriva-de-Romani. We are excited to discuss the introduction of a new track in breast cancer treatment, particularly focusing on the novel anti-HER2 antibody, Zaniratamab. Could you provide a comprehensive overview of this antibody and its unique attributes?
Dr. Santiago Escriva-de-Romani: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Zaniratamab represents a significant advancement in the realm of HER2-positive breast cancer therapy. It stands out as a biparatopic antibody, a distinctive characteristic that sets it apart. This means that Zaniratamab binds to two different epitopes of the HER2 receptor, a pivotal player in HER2-positive breast cancer pathogenesis. This dual binding property opens the door to multiple mechanisms of action, including the induction of receptor clustering and various immune-mediated effects.
What makes Zaniratamab truly remarkable is its ability to engage with HER2 in multiple ways. This versatility offers promising advantages over traditional monoclonal antibodies by providing a broader spectrum of treatment options and potential synergistic effects.
Oncology Frontier: Thank you for that enlightening introduction, Dr. Escriva-de-Romani. Could you please share the latest clinical results related to Zaniratamab, particularly in combination with Palbociclib and Fulvestrant?
Dr. Santiago Escriva-de-Romani: Certainly. Today, we presented the outcomes of a clinical trial that investigated the combination of Zaniratamab with Palbociclib and Fulvestrant. Specifically, we focused on the primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) at six months.
The patient cohort enrolled in this study comprised individuals who had already undergone extensive treatment, with some having experienced up to four lines of therapy. Additionally, a subset of patients had prior exposure to T-DXd, a noteworthy therapy in the context of HER2-positive breast cancer.
The results from this trial have been both intriguing and clinically significant. Notably, the primary endpoint of PFS at six months was achieved in an impressive 67% of patients, underscoring the potential efficacy of this combination in a population that has faced multiple lines of treatment. Furthermore, the median PFS reached a remarkable 11.7 months.
Equally significant is the favorable safety profile observed with this regimen. The most common grade 3 and 4 adverse events were diarrhea and neutropenia, and the overall tolerability of the combination was favorable.
These compelling results emphasize that the combination of Zaniratamab, Palbociclib, and Fulvestrant holds great promise for patients grappling with HER2-positive hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. This therapeutic approach addresses crucial unmet needs in this complex patient population.
Oncology Frontier: Thank you for sharing those promising results, Dr. Escriva-de-Romani. Given the current treatment landscape for hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, how do you envision the role of combination therapies like this one in shaping the future of treatment for these patients?
Dr. Santiago Escriva-de-Romani: Patients diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer are often managed in a manner akin to those with hormone receptor-negative disease. However, there is an urgent need for more tailored and chemotherapy-free combinations that effectively target both the HER2-positive and hormone receptor-positive pathways.
The encouraging results we’ve discussed today reflect the potential of combining Zaniratamab with Palbociclib and Fulvestrant. This combination not only introduces a novel approach but also has the capacity to enhance treatment outcomes while minimizing reliance on conventional chemotherapy.
As we look to the future, we hope to witness the emergence of additional combinations tailored to the needs of this specific patient population. These innovative approaches hold the promise of providing more personalized and effective therapeutic options for those navigating the complexities of hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
