Neoadjuvant FinHer regimen in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer: a retrospective audit
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By
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Anoop T. M.
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Rona Joseph
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Sherin Mathew
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Mintu Mathew
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Saikumar Soman
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Kalai Bharathi
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Senthamizhan S
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May 18, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Retrospective Analysis of the FinHer Protocol in Neoadjuvant Treatment of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | HER2-positive breast cancer |
| Key Mechanisms | Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with trastuzumab following the FinHer protocol |
| Target Population | Patients with locally advanced HER2-positive breast cancer |
| Care Setting | Single-center, resource-limited setting |
Key Highlights
- 30% pathological complete response (pCR) rate observed
- ER/PR positivity linked to decreased pCR rates (p = 0.002)
- Higher pCR rates in HER2-enriched subtype (47%) compared to luminal B subtype (21.2%)
- Stage III disease associated with improved overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS)
- Achievement of pCR correlated with lower risk of death and recurrence
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- HER2 positivity defined by IHC 3+ or IHC 2+ with positive FISH amplification
Management
- Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with nine weekly doses of trastuzumab
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Assess pCR rates and survival outcomes at 5 years
Risks
- ER/PR positivity may decrease pCR rates
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients aged >14 years and <70 years with locally advanced HER2-positive breast cancer
Shorter course of trastuzumab may reduce financial burden and toxicity
Clinical Best Practices
- Consider the FinHer protocol for neoadjuvant treatment in resource-limited settings
- Monitor for pCR as a key endpoint in treatment efficacy
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