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WHAT IS IT?
Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is a monoclonal antibody against HER-2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). HER-2 (also known as c-erbB2 or HER2/neu) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that is important for cancer cell survival in certain forms of breast cancer. This medication helps to kill these cancer cells by inhibiting HER2 cellular signaling and antibody-dependent cytotoxicity.
WHEN DO WE USE IT?
HER-2 positive breast cancer and gastric cancer
WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?
Extreme caution recommended for patients with prior history of cardiac dysfunction.
HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?
IV infusion
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?
Cardiac side effects: cardiotoxicity (ventricular dysfunction, congestive heart failure), cardiomyopathy
Other: fever, diarrhea, infection, chills.
ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP IN MIND?
Patients should receive an echo before starting this medication: one should evaluate the patient’s left ventricular function before and during treatment (to monitor effect of the medication on the heart given cardiotoxicity).
Half-life has a wide range (1-32 days) but ~6 days on average.
FURTHER READING
Page Updated: 02.23.2016