New combo aims to tame breast cancer with fewer side effects

NCT ID NCT03264547

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Japan Breast Cancer Research Group Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This Phase 3 trial tested whether replacing standard taxane chemotherapy (paclitaxel or docetaxel) with eribulin, when combined with pertuzumab and trastuzumab, could control advanced HER2-positive breast cancer just as well while causing less nerve damage. The study enrolled 446 women who had not received prior chemotherapy for advanced disease. Researchers measured progression-free survival and patient-reported numbness and tingling to compare the two approaches.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: eribulin (Halaven), pertuzumab (Perjeta), trastuzumab (Herceptin)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a new chemotherapy option for advanced HER2+ breast cancer that may cause less nerve damage and improve quality of life.
What could go wrong: This is a completed Phase 3 trial, but results may not show a meaningful benefit over standard taxane therapy, and eribulin has its own side effects like fatigue and low blood counts.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer breast neoplasm HER2 positive breast carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BREAST CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Kanagawa Cancer Center

Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital

Osaka, Osaka, 540-0006, Japan

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