The oncologist
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Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U. S. and western Europe. Amplification of the her-2/neu gene occurs in approximately 25% of invasive ductal carcinomas of the breast. ⋯ However, potential cardiotoxicity requires careful patient selection. Here, we review the recently completed clinical trials of adjuvant trastuzumab in the adjuvant setting. HER-2/neu testing, patient selection, cardiotoxicity, duration of therapy, and directions for future research are discussed.