Neoadjuvant TDM1 With Lapatinib and Abraxane Compared With Trastuzumab Plus Pertuzumab With Paclitaxel

This is a randomized, open label Phase II neoadjuvant study comparing the efficacy and safety of trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) plus lapatinib (L) followed by abraxane (A) versus trastuzumab plus pertuzumab followed by paclitaxel in patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. Patients will be randomized (1:1) to one of the two treatment arms: arm 1, trastuzumab emtansine plus lapatinib for 6 weeks, followed by trastuzumab emtansine plus lapatinib plus abraxane for 12 weeks; arm 2, trastuzumab plus pertuzumab for six weeks, followed by trastuzumab plus pertuzumab plus paclitaxel for 12 weeks. Patients will undergo surgery after neoadjuvant therapy. All patients will have a core needle biopsy at baseline, after week 6, and at the time of disease progression. Surgical specimens will be obtained after week 18.

Inclusion criteria

• Female gender;
• Age ≥18 years;
• Performance Status- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0-1
• Histologically confirmed invasive breast cancer:
• Primary tumor greater than 1 cm diameter, measured by clinical examination and mammography or ultrasound.
• Any N,
• No evidence of metastasis (M0) (isolated supra-clavicular node involvement allowed);
• Over expression and/or amplification of HER2 in the invasive component of the primary tumor and confirmed by a certified laboratory prior to randomization.
• Known hormone receptor status.
• Hematopoietic status:
• CBC not less than .75 of institutional lower limit. Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,5 x 10^9/L, Platelet count ≥ 100 x 10^9/L, Hemoglobin at least 9 g/dl,
• Hepatic status:

Serum total bilirubin ≤ 2 x upper limit of normal (ULN). In the case of known Gilbert's syndrome, a higher serum total bilirubin (< 1.5 x ULN) is allowed, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 3.5 times ULN, Alkaline phosphatase ≤ 2.5 times ULN, • Renal status: Creatinine ≤ 1.5mg/dL,

• Cardiovascular: Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ³ ≥50% measured by echocardiography (ECHO) or Multiple Gate Acquisition (MUGA) scan,

• Negative serum or urine β-hCG pregnancy test at screening for patients of childbearing potential within 2-weeks (preferably 7 days) prior to randomization.
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception (barrier method - condoms, diaphragm - also in conjunction with spermicidal jelly, or total abstinence. Oral, injectable, or implant hormonal contraceptives are not allowed)
• Signed informed consent form (ICF)
• Patient accepts to make available tumor samples for submission to central laboratory to conduct translational studies as part of this protocol.

Exclusion criteria

• Previous (less than 5 years) or current history of malignant neoplasms, except for curatively treated: Basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin; Carcinoma in situ of the cervix.
• Patients with a prior malignancy diagnosed more than 5 years prior to randomization may enter the study.
• Preexisting peripheral neuropathy ≥ grade 2
• Known history of uncontrolled or symptomatic angina, clinically significant arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, transmural myocardial infarction, uncontrolled hypertension (≥180/110), unstable diabetes mellitus, dyspnea at rest, or chronic therapy with oxygen;
• Concurrent disease or condition that would make the subject inappropriate for study participation or any serious medical disorder that would interfere with the subject's safety;
• Unresolved or unstable, serious adverse events from prior administration of another investigational drug;
• Dementia, altered mental status, or any psychiatric condition that would prevent the understanding or rendering of ICF;
• Malabsorption syndrome, disease significantly affecting gastrointestinal function, or resection of the stomach or small bowel. Subjects with ulcerative colitis are also excluded;
• Concurrent neoadjuvant cancer therapy (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, biologic therapy other than the trial therapies);
• Concurrent treatment with an investigational agent or participation in another therapeutic clinical trial;
• Known immediate or delayed hypersensitivity reaction or idiosyncrasy to drugs chemically related to trastuzumab Emtansine, trastuzumab, lapatinib, paclitaxel, abraxane or their components;
• Pregnant or lactating women;
• Concomitant use of CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers
• Other concurrent severe and/or uncontrolled concomitant medical conditions (e.g. active or uncontrolled infection, uncontrolled diabetes) that could cause unacceptable safety risks or compromise compliance with the protocol
• Patients have an active infection and require IV or oral antibiotics.
• Pregnant or breast-feeding women
• Patients unwilling or unable to comply with the protocol