A recent trial has found that drugs used to treat advanced breast cancer may also be effective in helping patients with a rare form of cancer that affects the bile ducts. The drugs tucatinib and trastuzumab target a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in cancer cells to inhibit their growth and spread. These drugs are recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) for patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have undergone multiple anti-HER2 treatment therapies.
Researchers at the National Cancer Centre Hospital in Japan conducted a trial to investigate the effectiveness of these drugs in treating other types of cancer, including bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma. Bile duct cancer impacts the small tubes that link various organs such as the liver and gallbladder. According to Liver Cancer UK, about 2,200 individuals in England are diagnosed with bile duct cancer annually.
The trial involved 217 patients with different types of tumours that had spread throughout the body and exhibited HER2 changes. The patients received tucatinib tablets twice a day and trastuzumab intravenously once every three weeks in 21-day cycles. The results showed that 22.2% of patients overall experienced a reduction in cancer size. Remarkably, 46.7% of the 30 patients with bile duct cancer saw a reduction in their cancer.
Dr Yoshiaki Nakamura from the National Cancer Centre Hospital stated that the combination treatment was well-tolerated and safe, with few patients needing to discontinue treatment due to side effects. The study demonstrated varying effects across different tumour types, suggesting potential benefits for patients with HER2-positive metastatic bile duct cancer and HER2-mutated metastatic breast cancer.
The trial findings will be presented at the EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Barcelona. Dr Tim Greten, co-chair of the symposium, highlighted the importance of focusing on the molecular characteristics of tumours rather than their location in the body. He emphasised the need for further research to validate the results and explore the potential of HER2-targeted treatments for various cancers.
This groundbreaking research opens up new possibilities for the treatment of rare cancers like bile duct cancer and underscores the importance of personalised medicine in oncology. By targeting specific molecular pathways shared by different types of cancer, researchers can develop more effective and tailored treatments for patients with diverse forms of the disease. The results of this trial provide hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for individuals battling rare and challenging cancers.
Insights and Summary:
The study highlighted in the article demonstrates the potential of using drugs designed for advanced breast cancer to treat other types of cancer, such as bile duct cancer. This innovative approach of targeting specific molecular pathways in cancer cells shows promise in offering new treatment options for patients with rare and difficult-to-treat cancers. The results of the trial emphasise the importance of further research and personalised medicine in improving outcomes for individuals with various forms of cancer.