Factors Associated With Infusion Reactions in Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Trastuzumab.

Background/aim: Trastuzumab (TRA) is a key drug in human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer treatment. Infusion reactions (IR) with TRA are frequently observed in practice. Although the efficacy of premedication has been previously reported, it remains uncommon. The probability of severe IR due to TRA is low; however, when it does occur, it is associated with patient discomfort and expenditure of medical resources. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the occurrence of IR in patients with breast cancer who received TRA.

Patients and methods: We retrospectively studied 204 patients who underwent TRA for breast cancer treatment between September 2008 and June 2023, identifying factors influencing the occurrence of IR at the time of TRA administration.

Results: A total of 182 patients were included in this study, and the incidence of IR was 25.8% (47/182 patients). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that pertuzumab (PER) use, high alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were associated with IR.

Conclusion: IR should be considered when PER is combined with TRA. ALP and HDL cholesterol levels may be predictive markers of TRA-induced IR in patients with breast cancer.