Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy During Anti-HER2 Therapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Oncologist. 2019 Feb;24(2):e80-e82. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2018-0285. Epub 2018 Nov 2.

Abstract

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted antibodies, including pertuzumab and trastuzumab, improve overall survival and progression-free survival among women with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, but grade ≥3 cardiotoxicity occurs in approximately 8% of cases. Here we report a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with the use of dual anti-HER2 therapy in a 63-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with an 8- to 10-hour history of progressive dyspnea after completing her third cycle of pertuzumab plus trastuzumab in addition to nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy. To our knowledge, this patient represents the first reported case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with pertuzumab plus trastuzumab combination therapy in the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / complications*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy / etiology*