Dr. Hurvitz on Steps to Take With HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Research

Sara Hurvitz, MD, medical oncologist, General Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology at UCLA, discusses necessary steps that need to be taken in the field of HER2-positive breast cancer from a research perspective.

Researchers are beginning to have a deeper understanding of the different long-term and surgical outcomes of patients with hormone-receptor—positive, HER2-positive breast cancer compared with those who are HR-negative, Hurvitz explains. Outcomes related to PI3K activation status, she adds, may help inform decision-making and treatment options.

Looking at CDK4/6 inhibiton will also be an important area to study further, she adds. Future studies should explore combining CDK4/6 inhibitors with HER2-targeted agents as well as with endocrine therapy.