herceptin for a second year?

jap

Hi everyone,

I understand that in May there should be an announcement of some results of  the Herceptin trial in which women were given it for two years.  I have seen it on some boards that a second year has not made much difference at least early on..

Does anyone know what has been found out so far?  Does a second year make a significant difference? 

Thanks,

Jo Anne

orange1

No data from 2 year arm of HERA trial yet.  Believe me, enough of us that hang on these boards are looking, that we would know if there were one iota of data published or announced.

I hope it comes in May - where did you hear about the pending announcement?

Thanks.

lexislove

lol...ya, I think all us Her2 woman are on the look out for the whole "is 2 yrs better than 1 year."

I asked my onc about all this about 1 year ago and his opinion that if there was a difference...it wouldn't be statistical. AND...if there was some huge, out of this world findings....we would have heard something by now.

jap

Thanks for responding.  My oncologist said the results will be reported at the next cancer meetings (name?) May/June.

I am curious as to why no difference since other data suggested that ER+ HER+ women would do better on both longer term anti-HER2 drugs and anti-hormone drugs -- to combat the cross-talk effect.

What do you think?

Jo Anne

orange1

Hi Jap

I don't mean this to sound harsh, in case it does, but I don't see the point about speculating about data we haven't seen.  Until we see the data, or hear from someone who has seen the data, we don't know if there was a difference or not, and if there was a difference, how big it was.

Regarding data that suggests that ER+Her+ women do better on longer term anti-Her2 drugs, the theory makes sense, but again, until we see the data, we really don't know.  That's why we all want to see the data so badly.   

Hang in there

jap

Hi Orange,

I need to know if there is any early results because I am considering the Neratinib trial and have to decide before this data is generally available.   I had almost no problems with H. and would rather take additional H. than N.

Jo Anne

helena67

As far as I know, such data would not become available until some time in 2011 (based on what I read in some announcement in St. Gallen 2009). So, it would surprise me if they would provide the results already this year. If you say May/June, then probably the ASCO conference in Chicago.

ktr3

I was given herceptin for 3 years.  Once a week for the first year, every 2 weeks the second year and every 3rd week the 3rd year.  When I questioned my oncologist about the 3 years, he said that insurance pays for 3 years and thus that dose could and should be given.  I am done now, but will also finish up this August with a monthly injection of fosolex.  Then I will take femora for the rest of my life.  You know, you just get to the point where you think you have to trust your doctor.  I am not saying that I don't have side affects from my treatment.  A lot of anxiety, hot flashes but I am alive and happy I am here.

orange1

What Helena67 says agrees with Boo's post on another thread  - the presentation said HERA 2 year results will be available in 2011.

ktr3 - are you stage IV?  My understanding is that Stage IV should be able to get herceptin for life; Stage 1, 2 and 3 get it for a year.

Jap,

I understand where you're coming from.  I have to make a decision on Neratibib very soon, so I totally understand your desire for information, but the think the information we've all been waiting for  doesn't exist yet

One day soon, I have to sign up for the neratinib trial or forget it.  I'm kind of paralyzed right now - wanting this cancer thing to be done with vs lowering my risk as much as possible.

The more I think about it, The more I think most of us should look into it.

Good luck everyone

jap

Thanks orange for your informative (as always) response.

Since we are both considering the possible benefits and costs of Neratinib trial I will PM you.  This list has another focus.

Jo Anne