Asymptomatic changes in cardiac function can occur in ductal carcinoma-in-situ patients following treatment with HER-2/neu–pulsed dendritic cell vaccines

Abstract 

Background

Targeting HER-2/neu with Trastuzumab has been associated with development of cardiac toxicity.

Methods

Twenty-seven patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast completed an IRB approved clinical trial of a HER-2/neu targeted dendritic cell based vaccine. Four weekly vaccinations were administered prior to surgical resection. All subjects underwent pre- and post-vaccine cardiac monitoring by MUGA/ECHO scanning allowing for a comparison of cardiac function.

Results

In 3 of 27 vaccinated patients (11%) transient asymptomatic decrements in ejection fraction of greater than 15% were noted after vaccination. Notably, evidence of circulating anti-HER-2/neu antibody was found prior to vaccination in all three patients, but cardiac toxicity was not noted until induction of cellular mediated immune responses.

Conclusions

This is the first description of HER-2/neu targeted vaccination associated with an incidence of cardiac changes, and the induction of cellular immune responses combined with antibody may contribute to changes in cardiac function.

Keywords: Trastuzumab, HER-2, Vaccinations, DCIS, Dendritic cells, Cardiac toxicity