Table 4.

Key messages concerning the BOLERO-3 trial

The trial met its primary endpoint: median progression-free survival is increased when everolimus is added to trastuzumab and vinorelbine compared with placebo, trastuzumab, and vinorelbine

The average benefit in median progression-free survival is only 5 weeks, indicating the need to identify patients who benefit most

The benefit is more pronounced in estrogen receptor-negative tumors (hazards ratio 0.65)

New treatment approaches are needed for HER2-positive, estrogen receptor-positive tumors. In particular, a treatment strategy including an endocrine agent should also be evaluated

Abbreviations: BOLERO, Breast cancer trials of OraL EveROlimus; HER2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.