To Örebro University

Background: Neoadjuvant therapy combining docetaxel, trastuzumab and pertuzumab (DTP) was compared to trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in the randomized phase 2 PREDIX HER2 trial. Patients, ≥18 years with HER2 positive breast cancer, ≥20mm or with verified lymph node metastases, were randomized to six courses of DTP (Standard arm) or T-DM1 (Experimental arm). Primary endpoint was pathological objective response to primary medical therapy at post-treatment surgery. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was a secondary outcome, and is of specific interest as there was no difference between the randomization groups regarding the main endpoint (results presented in a separate abstract sent to ASCO 2019, Bergh et al.).

Methods: Of 202 randomized patients, 190 are available for evaluation at this point. HRQoL was measured, using EORTC QLQ-C30 + EORTC QLQ-BR23, at baseline before randomization and after six courses.

Results: No differences between the randomization arms were found at baseline. Results after six courses, based on 163 patients (86%) and adjusted to baseline values, revealed statistical significant differences (p≤0.01), favoring the experimental T-DM1 arm on 7 out of 15 of the EORTC QLQ-C30 variables (Physical functioning, Role functioning, Social functioning, Global quality of Life, Fatigue, Dyspnea, and Diarrhea). For the breast cancer specific questionnaire (EORTC-BR23), the experimental arm scored statistically significantly better on 5 out of 7 subscales (Body image, Sexual functioning, Sexual enjoyment, Systemic therapy side effects and Upset by hair loss). All of the statistical significant differences were of moderate or large clinical significance (≥10 scale scores). No differences between the randomization arms were found for the remaining HRQoL variables.

Conclusions: The experimental arm reported better HRQoL than the control arm after six courses. Trastuzumab emtansine may be a useful treatment alternative due to better HRQoL and lower toxicity.