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Trastuzumab (Herceptin)

Trastuzumab is an antibody treatment for women with breast cancer who have high levels of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2).
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), which advises the NHS on how medical treatments should be used, recommends the use of Herceptin in early stage HER2 positive breast cancer following surgery and chemotherapy, and radiotherapy if that is part of your treatment plan.

There are three requirements for women to be prescribed Herceptin:
  • They should have HER2 positive breast cancer

  • Their heart should be working normally (adequate cardiac function) - due to the risk of Herceptin causing heart problems

  • They must have had chemotherapy


How do you take it?

Herceptin is given by intravenous (IV) drip at three-weekly intervals for one year. You'll have regular checks to see how well you are responding to the treatment. If your cancer starts to progress, your cancer specialist will discuss stopping this treatment with you and considering something else.

Side effects

Typically, the side effects of Herceptin are mild. You may get flu-like symptoms after each dose, but your doctor can give you medicines that will help.

However, Herceptin can cause heart problems, particularly if given in combination with high doses of anthracyclines, although these are rare. This is something that is carefully monitored. Your heart function will be assessed before starting treatment and carefully monitored throughout the duration of treatment. For more information on taking Herceptin see the information on the Breast Cancer Care website.


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