Key result
Cardioprotection allows completion of 17 trastuzumab cycles despite ischemia-like ECG changes without LVEF decline.
Why the study?
Concerns remain regarding the cardiac impact of trastuzumab, particularly when patients develop unexpected ECG changes during therapy without obvious cardiac symptoms.
Case Report (n=1)
No
Ischemia-like ECG changes during trastuzumab therapy can occur without structural myocardial injury and do not necessarily require treatment cessation if cardiac function and biomarkers remain stable.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May support trastuzumab continuation despite ECG changes if function preserved; leaves open need for prospective monitoring validation.
BACKGROUND: Trastuzumab has changed the landscape of treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer, offering a meaningful survival benefit. However, alongside its effectiveness, concerns remain about its potential impact on the heart, particularly when patients develop unexpected ECG changes during therapy without any obvious cardiac symptoms. CASE PRESENTATION: A 34-year-old woman receiving trastuzumab was referred to a cardiologist after routine ECG monitoring revealed ST-segment coving and T-wave inversions in the precordial leads. She remained asymptomatic, and her cardiac enzymes were within the normal range. Echocardiography showed preserved left ventricular systolic function, and coronary CT angiography revealed no obstructive disease. Despite the persistent ECG findings, she completed her full trastuzumab course uneventfully, with ongoing cardiology follow-up. CONCLUSION: This case highlights how crucial it is to interpret ECG changes during trastuzumab therapy within the broader clinical context. Although the findings may mimic ischemia, they can appear without any actual cardiac symptoms or injury. Recognizing these as potential effects of the medication helps avoid unnecessary testing and treatment interruptions. With careful monitoring and coordination between the oncology and cardiology teams, patients can continue therapy safely, even when ECG abnormalities persist.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Alizadehasl et al. (2026) conducted a case report in HER2-positive breast cancer with trastuzumab-induced ECG changes (n=1). Trastuzumab was evaluated on Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. The patient safely completed all 17 cycles of trastuzumab despite persistent ischemia-like ECG changes, with full recovery of global longitudinal strain and preserved ejection fraction.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: