New Protocol: Neoadjuvant Docetaxel with Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab in HER2 + Breast Cancer

In the neoCARHP trial, the THP regimen was found to be noninferior to TCbHP in terms of pathologic complete response rates but had fewer grade 3 or higher adverse events. The omission of carboplatin improved tolerability, suggesting THP as a viable alternative for HER2-positive breast cancer.

Study

Randomized, multicenter, phase III, noninferiority trial [neoCARHP]

Stage II and III, HER2-positive invasive breast cancer patients

TCH-P (n=384) vs TH-P (n=382) for 6 cycles every 3 weeks

Efficacy

pCR: 65.9% vs. 64.1% (TCH-P vs. TH-P) (OR 0.93 [0.69-1.25])

Safety

Grade >=3 AE: 34.6% vs. 20.7%

Serious AEs: 4.7% vs. 1.3%

Common AEs: Neutropenia (16.4% vs 6.8%), Leukopenia (14.8% vs 5.5%), Diarrhea (4.2% vs 2.6%)

J Clin Oncol. Published online January 23, 2026

Gao HF, Ye GL, Lin Y Neoadjuvant Taxane Plus Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab With or Without Carboplatin in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Breast Cancer: The Randomized Noninferiority Phase III neoCARHP Trial

http://doi.org/10.1200/JCO-25-02176

Reviewed by Ulas D. Bayraktar, MD on Feb 19, 2026

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