BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that neoadjuvant anti-HER-2 therapy and chemotherapy can increase pathologic complete response (pCR) rate in HER-2-positive breast cancer patients and improve prognosis. However, data from Chinese patients are limited. Therefore, we conducted a single-center retrospective study to evaluate the effects of neoadjuvant single or dual anti-HER-2 therapy and chemotherapy in Chinese HER-2-positive breast cancer patients and to explore the prognostic indicators of pCR and progression-free survival (PFS).

METHODS

We included patients with HER-2-positive breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant anti-HER-2 therapy and chemotherapy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in China from January 2016 to July 2020. We analyzed the relationship between patient characteristics and the pCR rate or PFS.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients with HER-2-positive breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant anti-HER-2 therapy and chemotherapy were included. Univariate analysis suggested that compared with patients receiving neoadjuvant single anti-HER-2 therapy, patients receiving neoadjuvant dual anti-HER-2 therapy tended to have a higher pCR rate and better PFS. Patients who achieved pCR also tended to have longer PFS. Multivariate analysis indicated that patients with greater systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) reduction (>0.54) during neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) and patients with a lower T stage were more likely to achieve pCR. Patients aged ≤60 years with lower Ki-67 had longer PFS.

CONCLUSION

Greater SIRI reduction during NAT was an independent influencing factor for pCR. Patients receiving neoadjuvant dual anti-HER-2 therapy and chemotherapy tended to have higher pCR rates and longer PFS. Patients who achieved pCR also tended to have longer PFS.