HER2 and response to paclitaxel in node-positive breast cancer.

To the Editor: Trastuzumab and aromatase inhibitors — current standard agents for HER2positive breast cancer and estrogen-receptor– positive postmenopausal breast cancer, respectively — were not included in the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) trial of adjuvant treatment. Thus, in their report on HER2 and response to paclitaxel in women with node-positive breast cancer, Hayes et al. (Oct. 11 issue)1 can make no conclusion about the usefulness of the addition of paclitaxel in the current standard combination of drugs.

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