A randomized phase III trial of anthracyclines followed by taxane versus taxane plus carboplatin as (neo)adjuvant therapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer: KCSG BR 15-1 PEARLY trial.
Ann OncolMay 30, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchOncology (Medical)
G M Kim, K H Jung, H C Jeung et al.
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In 30 seconds
The PEARLY trial, a multicenter randomized phase III study, evaluated the addition of carboplatin to standard anthracycline and taxane therapy in patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Among 868 patients, the addition of carboplatin significantly improved event-free survival (EFS) from 75.1% to 82.3% at five years, with a hazard ratio of 0.67 (95% CI 0.49-0.92, P = 0.012).
Key findings
- Carboplatin improved 5-year event-free survival from 75.1% to 82.3%, an absolute increase of 7.2%.
- The hazard ratio for event-free survival was 0.67 (95% CI 0.49-0.92, P = 0.012).
- Grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events occurred in 74.7% of the carboplatin arm versus 56.7% in the control arm.
Why it matters
This study highlights the potential of carboplatin to enhance event-free survival in early-stage TNBC, a population known for poor prognosis. Understanding the risk-benefit profile is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies in this aggressive cancer subtype.