Update: Herceptin

Herceptin is a monoclonal antibody that attaches to proteins on some cancer cells and slows or stops the growth of the cells .

The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 90 minutes to complete.

Herceptin is a relatively expensive therapy - costing about $3,000 a month - but it may be covered by your insurance.

Herceptin is the first novel targeted therapy for use in early-stage HER2-positive breast cancers.

Herceptin can cause low amniotic fluid levels and harm to the fetus when taken by a pregnant woman.

Herceptin is used to treat metastatic breast cancer that has progressed after treatment with other chemotherapy.

Herceptin is used to treat HER2 positive breast cancer .

Herceptin is approved for the adjuvant treatment of HER2-overexpressing, node-positive or node-negative breast cancer.

Herceptin as a single agent is approved for treatment of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer in patients who have received one or more chemotherapy regimens for metastatic disease.

In one study with Herceptin and certain types of chemotherapy, an inadequate blood supply to the heart occurred.

If you must permanently or temporarily stop Herceptin due to heart problems, you should be monitored more frequently.

Even though the severe side effects are relatively rare, your doctor should check you carefully for any heart or lung problems before starting to treat you with Herceptin.

If you are receiving Herceptin with chemotherapy, you may also experience chemotherapy side effects.

Heart failure is less likely to occur the longer you take Herceptin.

Before starting Herceptin therapy, you should have an echocardiogram or a MUGA scan to check how well your heart is functioning.

Trastuzumab’s principal use is as an anti- cancer therapy in breast cancer in patients whose tumors over-express this receptor.

Herceptin can be an effective treatment both before and after surgery for people with HER2-positive breast cancer.

Evaluate left ventricular function in all patients prior to and during treatment with Herceptin.

Infusion Reactions; Pulmonary Toxicity Herceptin administration can result in serious infusion reactions and pulmonary toxicity.

Herceptin infusion should be interrupted for patients experiencing dyspnea or clinically significant hypotension.

Discontinue Herceptin treatment in patients receiving adjuvant therapy and strongly consider discontinuation of Herceptin treatment in patients with metastatic breast cancer for clinically significant decrease in left ventricular function.

Herceptin is used as a second- or third-line therapy for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Herceptin is approved by the U.S.

Clinical trials are ongoing to test the safety and effectiveness of Herceptin for breast and other types of cancer.

Some serious side effects, including heart muscle damage and allergic reactions, are associated with Herceptin .

Herceptin is given by infusion .

The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 90 minutes to complete.

You may not be able to receive Herceptin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Herceptin is a cancer medication .

Herceptin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein.

A score of 2+ tells your doctor that another test is needed to determine whether Herceptin treatment will be good for you.