Pertuzumab and T-DM1: New perspectives in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer

Trastuzumab (HerceptinA (R), Roche) completely revolutionized the outcome of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, in the metastatic, adjuvant and neoadjuvant setting. However, acquired resistances appear mostly, whose potential mechanisms are multiple. Two agents recently appeared: pertuzumab (PerjetaA (R), Roche) and T-DM1 (Kadcyla A (R), Roche). In this review of the literature, we present the mechanisms of action, the pre-clinical data, the clinical data, the safety and the ongoing studies regarding these two therapies.