Dr. Perez on a Genomic Analysis of the NCCTG N9831 Adjuvant Trastuzumab Trial

Edith A. Perez, MD, Breast Cancer: Giant of Cancer Care; deputy director at large, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Serene M. and Frances C. Durling professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, discusses a genomic analysis of immune function genes and clinical outcome in the NCCTG (Alliance) N9831 adjuvant trastuzumab trial.

Researchers must first better understand tumors in order to find new therapies for patients with breast cancer, Perez says. Through mathematical modeling and patient follow up, researchers uncovered a 14-gene profile in the tumors of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer that appears to predict which patients will fare better with trastuzumab.

This research is consistent with previous data that demonstrated that the immune system plays a significant role in cancer and, ultimately, patient outcomes. Perez says she is pleased research has evolved in this direction.