A review of the use of trastuzumab (Herceptin®) plus vinorelbine in metastatic breast cancer

The combination of trastuzumab (Herceptin (R)) and vinorelbine (Navelbine (R)) in the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is valuable for several reasons. There is proven synergism of these agents in preclinical models, both agents are well tolerated and there is minimal overlapping toxicity. This article reviews clinical experience with trastuzumab and vinorelbine from phase II/III trials including >450 assessable patients. Results across the trials show objective response rates for the combination in the range of 44%-86% (51%-86% as first-line treatment) and a median duration of response of 10-17.5 months. Approximately 50% of patients experience grade 3/4 neutropenia, which is of short duration and manageable. Symptomatic cardiac events are infrequent (seven episodes of grade 3 toxicity across all trials). Overall, trastuzumab-vinorelbine combination therapy offers patients with HER2-positive MBC, an effective and well-tolerated treatment that is suitable for prolonged duration of use.