how long is a course of trastuzamab

The first dose is given over 90 minutes. If well-tolerated subsequent maintenance doses may be given over 30 minutes. The amount of Trastuzumab that you will receive depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated.

Full Answer

How long do you have to take trastuzumab?

How long will I have trastuzumab for? If you’re having trastuzumab to treat primary breast cancer after surgery it’s usually given for one year (around 18 cycles). If you are having trastuzumab before surgery you will usually have four to six cycles.

How long does it take for pertuzumab to work?

Each treatment takes between 30 and 90 minutes. You have the first treatment over 90 minutes and your team will check you for any side effects. Depending on the effects you have, the next infusion might be shorter. You might have treatment through a long plastic tube that goes into a large vein in your chest.

What is the mechanism of action of trastuzumab?

You have trastuzumab and pertuzumab as a course of several cycles of treatment. This means that you have the drugs and then a rest to allow your body to recover. Each cycle of treatment is usually 3 weeks, although this might vary depending on your individual treatment.

Does shorter term treatment with trastuzumab improve efficacy?

Trastuzumab, sold under the brand name Herceptin among others, is a monoclonal antibody used to treat breast cancer and stomach cancer. ... Trastuzumab costs about US$70,000 for a full course of treatment, Trastuzumab brought in $327 million in revenue for Genentech in the fourth quarter of 2007.

How often do you take trastuzumab?

You have it before or after surgery and chemotherapy. You usually have it every week (weekly regimen) or every 3 weeks (3 weekly regimen). This continues for up to a year.

Can you take trastuzumab for breast cancer?

For breast cancer, you might have trastuzumab as a drip into your bloodstream (intravenously) or as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous). If you have trastuzumab intravenously, you may be able to switch to the subcutaneous injection. For stomach cancer, or gastro oesophageal junction cancer, you usually have trastuzumab as a drip ...

What is the treatment for advanced breast cancer?

Trastuzumab. Trastuzumab is a targeted cancer drug and is also known by different brand names. It is a treatment for early and advanced breast cancer, advanced stomach cancer and cancer of where the food pipe joins your stomach (gastro oesophageal junction).

Does breast cancer spread to the armpit?

early breast cancer (the cancer hasn't spread beyond the breast or the lymph nodes in the armpit on the same side of the body. So, the cancer hasn't spread to any other part of the body) breast, stomach and gastro oesophageal junction cancer that has spread to another part of the body (advanced or metastatic cancer) ...

What is HER2 positive cancer?

They are called HER2 positive cancers. HER2 makes the cancer cells grow and divide. Trastuzumab is a type of targeted cancer drug called a monoclonal antibody. It works by attaching to HER2 so it stops the cancer cells from growing and dividing.

What is the first treatment for breast cancer?

As the first treatment for breast cancer that has spread, you might have it together with the chemotherapy drugs paclitaxel (Taxol) or docetaxel (Taxotere) or with hormone therapies called aromatase inhibitors.

Can cancer drugs interact with other drugs?

Cancer drugs can interact with some other medicines and herbal products. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medicines you are taking. This includes vitamins, herbal supplements and over the counter remedies.

Does Trastuzumab work on cancer cells?

The aim is to stop the cells them from growing and kills them. Trastuzumab and pertuzumab only work if your cancer is HER2 positive. You have tests on your cancer cells to check for this.

How does pertuzumab work?

How they work. Trastuzumab and pertuzumab are types of targeted cancer drugs called monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies work by attaching to proteins on or in cancer cells. Human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) is a protein that makes cells grow and divide. Some cancers have large amounts of HER2 protein and are called HER2 positive ...

Is pertuzumab a cancer drug?

Trastuzumab and pertuzumab are types of targeted cancer drugs. You might have them on their own or with other chemotherapy drugs. It is a treatment for breast cancer. Find out more about breast cancer and its treatment.

Can cancer drugs interact with other drugs?

Cancer drugs can interact with some other medicines and herbal products. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medicines you are taking. This includes vitamins, herbal supplements and over the counter remedies.

How long does it take to recover from chemo?

This means that you have the drugs and then a rest to allow your body to recover. Each cycle of treatment is usually 3 weeks, although this might vary depending on your individual treatment. The number of cycles you have depends on if you have them alone or with chemotherapy drugs.

What do they check before and during a chemo treatment?

You have blood tests before and during your treatment. They check your levels of blood cells and other substances in the blood. They also check how well your liver and kidneys are working.

What are the symptoms of an infection?

Symptoms include a change in temperature, aching muscles, headaches, feeling cold and shivery and generally unwell. You might have other symptoms depending on where the infection is.

How long does trastuzumab last?

The original studies of trastuzumab showed that it improved overall survival in late-stage (metastatic) HER2-positive breast cancer from 20.3 to 25.1 months. In early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, it reduces the risk of cancer returning after surgery.

What is Trastuzumab used for?

Trastuzumab, sold under the brand name Herceptin among others, is a monoclonal antibody used to treat breast cancer and stomach cancer. It is specifically used for cancer that is HER2 receptor positive. It may be used by itself or together with other chemotherapy medication.

When was Trastuzumab approved?

Trastuzumab was approved for medical use in the United States in September 1998, and in the European Union in August 2000. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. A biosimilar was approved in the European Union in November 2017, and in the United States in December 2018.

Is trastuzumab safe for breast cancer patients?

The safety and efficacy of trastuzumab-containing combination therapies (with chemotherapy, hormone blockers, or lapatinib) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. The overall hazard ratios for overall survival and progression free survival were 0.82 and 0.61, respectively. It was difficult to accurately ascertain the true impact of trastuzumab on survival, as in three of the seven trials, over half of the patients in the control arm were allowed to cross-over and receive trastuzumab after their cancer began to progress. Thus, this analysis likely underestimates the true survival benefit associated with trastuzumab treatment in this population. In these trials, trastuzumab also increased the risk of heart problems, including heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction decline.

Does trastuzumab help with metastatic breast cancer?

Trastuzumab has had a "major impact in the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. ". The combination of trastuzumab with chemotherapy has been shown to increase both survival and response rate, in comparison to trastuzumab alone.

Does trastuzumab increase survival?

The combination of trastuzumab with chemotherapy has been shown to increase both survival and response rate, in comparison to trastuzumab alone. It is possible to determine the "erbB2 status" of a tumor, which can be used to predict efficacy of treatment with trastuzumab.

Is trastuzumab expensive?

Debate about treatment duration has become a relevant issue for many public health policy makers because administering trastuzumab for a year is very expensive. Consequently, some countries with a taxpayer-funded public health system, such as New Zealand, chose to fund limited adjuvant therapy.

How long does trastuzumab last?

If you have early stage breast cancer, you will have trastuzumab for a year. If the cancer is advanced or has spread, you may have trastuzumab for as long as it is controlling the cancer. Your nurse, pharmacist or doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

How does Trastuzumab work?

Trastuzumab stops this by locking on to the HER2 protein. This helps stop the cancer cells from dividing and growing. Trastuzumab is used to treat HER2 positive cancer. The only way to check if a cancer is HER2 positive is to test the cancer cells. Tests can be done on samples of cells taken during a biopsy of the cancer or surgery to remove ...

What is HER2 positive cancer?

HER2 positive cancers of the stomach or gullet (oesophagus). It is best to read this information with our general information about the type of cancer you have. Trastuzumab is a type of targeted therapy drug called a monoclonal antibody. It is often given in combination with other cancer drugs such as chemotherapy.

What to do if you have cancer?

Medical and dental treatment. If you need medical treatment for any reason other than cancer, always tell the doctors and nurses you are having cancer treatment . Give them the contact details for your cancer doctor so they can ask for advice. If you think you need dental treatment, talk to your cancer doctor or nurse.

What to do if you need medical treatment for cancer?

If you need medical treatment for any reason other than cancer, always tell the doctors and nurses you are having cancer treatment. Give them the contact details for your cancer doctor so they can ask for advice.

What is trastuzumab used for?

Trastuzumab is also used to treat HER2 positive breast cancer that has come back or spread to other parts of the body ( secondary breast cancer ). It may be given on its own or with other drugs such as pertuzumab and chemotherapy. Trastuzumab is sometimes used with chemotherapy to treat advanced HER2 positive cancer that started in the:

Can you take trastuzumab with chemotherapy?

If you are having trastuzumab with chemotherapy, you are more likely to get these side effects . If you are also having treatment with other cancer drugs, you may also have some side effects that we have not listed here. Always tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about any side effects you have.

How long does it take to take Trastuzumab?

The first dose is given over 90 minutes. If well-tolerated subsequent maintenance doses may be given over 30 minutes. The amount of Trastuzumab that you will receive depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated.

How does Trastuzumab work?

Trastuzumab works by targeting the HER2/neu receptor on cancer cells.

What is a biosimilar to Trastuzumab?

A biosimilar is a biologic medical product that is almost an identical copy of an original medication that is manufactured by a different pharmaceutical company.

What is a biosimilar?

A biosimilar is a biologic medical product that is almost an identical copy of an original medication that is manufactured by a different pharmaceutical company.

Is trastuzumab effective against breast cancer?

Treatment of gastric (stomach) cancer. It is not known whether or not trastuzumab may be effective in other cancers that may also have this HER-2/neu ...

Does trastuzumab help with gastric cancer?

Treatment of gastric (stomach) cancer. It is not known whether or not trastuzumab may be effective in other cancers that may also have this HER-2/neu protein, including ovarian, colon, endometrial, lung, bladder, prostate, and salivary gland tumors.

Does Trastuzumab cause dizziness?

Swelling (usually of the feet, ankles or hands) Infrequently, serious hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis) (see allergic reactions), have been associated with Trastuzum ab. Most of these events occur within 24 hours of infusion. However, delayed reactions have occurred.

How long does it take to get Pertuzumab?

Pertuzumab is usually given first over 1 hour. Some people may have a reaction the first time they have the drug. The nurse will monitor you during treatment and for an hour after you have pertuzumab. If you do not have a reaction, future treatments are given over a shorter time.

What is the name of the drug that is used to treat breast cancer?

It is best to read this information with our general information about breast cancer. Pertuzumab and trastuzumab belong to a group of targeted therapy drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. Your doctor will talk to you about this treatment and its possible side effects before you agree ( consent) to have treatment.

Can cancer drugs make you pregnant?

Some cancer drugs can affect whether you can get pregnant or make someone pregnant. If you are worried about this, it is important to talk with your doctor before you start treatment.

What to do if you have cancer?

Medical and dental treatment. If you need medical treatment for any reason other than cancer, always tell the doctors and nurses you are having cancer treatment . Give them the contact details for your cancer doctor so they can ask for advice. If you think you need dental treatment, talk to your cancer doctor or nurse.

What to do if you need medical treatment for cancer?

If you need medical treatment for any reason other than cancer, always tell the doctors and nurses you are having cancer treatment. Give them the contact details for your cancer doctor so they can ask for advice.

What is it called when you have a low white blood cell count?

If the number of white blood cells is low, you are more likely to get an infection. A low white blood cell count is sometimes called neutropenia.

What happens if your white blood cells are low?

If the number of white blood cells is low, you are more likely to get an infection. A low white blood cell count is sometimes called neutropenia. An infection can be very serious when the number of white blood cells is low. It is important to get any infection treated as soon as possible.

How often is trastuzumab given?

A healthcare provider will give you this injection. Trastuzumab is usually given once every week or every 1 to 3 weeks.

What is the purpose of trastuzumab?

Trastuzumab is used to treat certain types of breast cancer or stomach cancer, sometimes in combination with other cancer medicines. trastuzumab is sometimes used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). Trastuzumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Can Trastuzumab cause heart failure?

any allergies or breathing problems. Trastuzumab can cause heart failure, especially if you have heart disease or if you are also receiving certain other cancer medicines (such as daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, or idarubicin). You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Can you take trastuzumab while pregnant?

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Do not use trastuzumab if you are pregnant. trastuzumab can cause injury or death to the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 7 months after your last dose.

How long after stopping trastuzumab can you breastfeed?

If you become pregnant while using trastuzumab or within 7 months after you stop, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of trastuzumab on the baby. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine and for up to 7 months after your last dose. Ask your doctor about any risk.

What are the side effects of Trastuzumab?

Trastuzumab side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some side effects may occur during the injection, or in the days afterward.

Does Trastuzumab affect heart?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. Trastuzumab can have long lasting effects on your heart, especially if you receive other cancer medicines.

Can Trastuzumab be used alone?

Trastuzumab is approved to be used alone or with other drugs to treat: Breast cancer that is HER2 positive (HER2+). It is used in patients with: Hormone receptor-negative or high-risk cancer. It is given: Docetaxel and carboplatin. Alone after combination therapy that included anthracycline chemotherapy.

Is Trastuzumab a drug?

Trastuzumab is approved to be used alone or with other drugs to treat: Breast cancer that is HER2 positive (HER2+). It is used in patients with: Hormone receptor-negative or high-risk cancer. It is given: Docetaxel and carboplatin.

Is a syringe a substitute for medical advice?

It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.

Why are drugs studied?

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.