WHAT’S NEW in 2025
Targeted Therapies
Breast cancer remains one of the most common malignancies affecting women worldwide. Advances in molecular biology and precision medicine have significantly shaped the treatment landscape. In 2025, targeted therapies continue to revolutionize breast cancer care, offering improved outcomes and personalised approaches to treatment.
HER2-Targeted Therapies
HER2-positive breast cancer has seen remarkable advancements:
-Tucatinib: A HER2-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) used in combination with trastuzumab and capecitabine for brain metastases.
-Trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu): Expanded indications for HER2-low breast cancer, demonstrating efficacy in patients previously considered HER2-negative.
CDK4/6 Inhibitors
CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib, remain a cornerstone for HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. Recent studies have focused on their role in early-stage breast cancer:
-NATALEE Trial: Demonstrated the efficacy of ribociclib in reducing recurrence risk in early HR+/HER2- breast cancer.
-The MONARCHE trial: Demonstrated that adding Abemaciclib to standard endocrine therapy significantly improved outcomes for patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence.
PARP Inhibitors
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors target BRCA-mutated cancers. Recent updates include:
-Olaparib: Expanded use in germline BRCA1/2-mutated early and metastatic breast cancer.
-Combination Strategies: Studies are exploring PARP inhibitors with immune checkpoint inhibitors for synergistic effects.
Novel Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCS)
ADCs have emerged as a powerful weapon against breast cancer. They are designed to target a receptor which is over-expressed on breast cancer cells and deliver chemotherapy directly to the cancer cell. Recent approvals include:
-Datopotamab deruxtecan: an innovative antibody-drug conjugate, the TROPION-Breast01 trial demonstrated its effectiveness in improving outcomes for patients with this subtype of breast cancer
-Sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy): Now a standard for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC), showing significant survival benefits.
PBS Scheme Drug addition announcement
Additionally, a major milestone was reached with the announcement of Olaparib being added to the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) under Medicare, ensuring greater accessibility for eligible patients in Australia.
“Targeted therapy allows clinicians to better tailor treatment to the individual patient which is a must in the current era of personalised medicine. Olaparib is now available on the PBS for patients with BRCA1 or 2 mutation with high risk early breast cancer or metastatic breast cancer which has the potential to change outcomes for a huge cohort of patients.
It is thanks to the research studies showing the effectiveness of new medications which leads to PBS approval underscoring the importance of clinical trials as we aim for better outcomes for all patients.”
Brendan KirwinOncologist
