Optimizing (neo)adjuvant treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer

The development of human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)-directed therapy has resulted in significant improvement in outcomes for patients with early-stage HER2-overexpressing (HER2+) breast cancer. In recent years, newer HER2-directed agents and novel treatment strategies have been developed with ongoing improvements in overall outcomes. However, with the addition of newer agents, there is an increasing need to risk stratify patients to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity of treatment. De-escalation of therapy with the potential to shorten the duration of adjuvant therapy and minimize chemotherapy administration in patients with favorable disease can be considered. On the other hand, escalation of therapy with the addition of novel HER2-directed agents and extended duration of therapy in patients at high risk of relapse can help improve long-term cure rates. Herein, we discuss recent developments in neoadjuvant and adjuvant strategies for the treatment of potentially curable HER2+ breast cancer.