Herceptin trial for DCIS?

rn4babies

I had my first appointment with my MO on Friday. He has asked me to possibly participate in a clinical trial to see if Herceptin combined with radiation therapy would be more effective to treat DCIS than rads alone. They would send my slides away to be tested for HER-2 status. If it is positive then I would be eligible for the trial. There are 2 randomized groups. One would receive 2 doses of Herceptin the other would receive nothing (not even a placebo) and you would be followed for 10 years after that. It does not affect the standard of care for DCIS (lumpectomy, rads, and Tamoxifen). He explained that the SE's if any are minimal because I would only be receiving 2 doses of Herceptin. I am willing to do this to help with BC research but a little nervous. Has anyone partipated in this? If so, did you have any side effects from the 2 doses of Herceptin? I'd like as many opinions as possible before I make this decision. Would you do it if you were eligible? Here is a link that I found that discusses it a little more.

http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/071310/page6

BRCA negative. Lumpectomy 9/9/11. Decision pending on RADS. Tamoxifen for sure.
Diagnosis: 7/11/2011, DCIS, <1cm, Stage 0, Grade 3, 0/0 nodes, ER+/PR+

ej01

Are you saying that you would get lumpectomy, rads, tamox AND Herceptin(assuming you were in that randomized group)?   I guess I am a bit unclear why someone would add another drug if you are following all of these treatments and your chance of recurrance will be really low anyway.

You asked "Would you do it if you were eligable?"   My answer:  probably not.  I believe that in lots of cases DCIS is over-treated.   Your diagnosis seems to be very similar to mine and there is a good chance I will opt-out of anything past the lumpectomy (which I already got), just continue with dietary changes close monitoring.  

I know in a prior post you had indicated that you were still deciding on Rads.  Have you dediced yet?  From this post it sounds like if you are thinking of adding Herceptin on to RADs, then maybe you have already dediced to go forward with rads...just curious.

Good luck with whatever you decide.  I think its great that you are willing to help BC research. 

rn4babies

The MO concentrated on the fact that it was Grade 3 with comedo necrosis, age and very strong family history. I will go ahead with the rads. My aunt and mother are 10 years without a reoccurance with the same tx. I know it's my decision to go forward with the rads but I do take into consideration the recommendation from the doctor as well. I haven't had the appt with the RO yet so I have time to change my mind yet.