Investigating a less intensive treatment for patients with HER2-positive, ER-negative and node negative breast cancer Wednesday, March 01, 2023 DECRESCENDO Canadian study chair, Dr Philippe Bedard Please note this trial has closed to accrual The purpose of this study is to test whether a new drug regimen will reduce the chances of side effects but be just as effective as the usual treatment for HER2-positive, ER-negative and node negative breast cancer. HER2-positive breast cancer is a breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), this protein promotes the growth of cancer cells. “The development of drugs that target the HER2 receptor have made a major impact in preventing recurrence and improving survival for patients diagnosed with this type of breast cancer. The MA41 (DECRESCENDO) trial will investigate if we can safely use a simplified chemotherapy treatment with fewer side effects for patients diagnosed with hormone receptor negative, HER2-positive breast cancer”, says Canadian study chair, Dr Philippe Bedard, Clinician Investigator at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (UHN). This new approach may require a less-intensive chemotherapy regimen with fewer side effects and still be as effective as the standard treatment. Participants in the study will get one of two usual chemotherapy drugs, along with the study drug before surgery. During surgery, a sample of any remaining tumour cells will be studied to determine how effective the study drug was and what treatment should be given after surgery. For more information: MA41 (NCT04675827)
