The PrefHer trial provides notable data showing that > 90% of patients favored the quicker subcutaneous administration of trastuzumab (Herceptin) compared to the standard intravenous infusion. The primary reasons for this preference, as per patients in the trial, included that it was timesaving and was associated with less pain/discomfort. Interestingly, there was an overwhelming preference for the subcutaneous administration among the health-care workers, too.

These data reflect the value of safe and time-effective strategies to administer anticancer therapies to our patients. We want our patients to derive significant benefits from therapy, while being allowed to have the least possible disruptions to their lives. This new formulation appears to meet the criteria to be considered an improvement in the therapeutic armamentarium for patients. ■

Disclosure: Dr. Perez has received research funding from Genentech and GlaxoSmithKline.