Herceptin and Pertuzumab to Treat Hers2 +++

BenL

The oncologist advising my girlfriend, Audrey, has recommended the combination of Herceptin and Pertuzumab to treat her Hers2+++ Breast Cancer. We have read and understand much about Herceptin, but have not found a great deal of information about Pertuzumab.

Can anyone comment on Pertuzumab?

Thanks,

Best

Ben

ElaineTherese

Hi!

Like Herceptin, Pertuzumab (Perjeta) is a targeted therapy, used to treat HER2+ breast cancer (BC). Recent studies have shown that it is very effective against HER2+ BC, but it is a relatively new therapy and there aren't as many studies out there about it as there are re: Herceptin. As someone with locally advanced BC, I received both Perjeta and Hercptin neoadjuvantly (or prior to my surgery). A woman with a less aggressive, very small HER2+ tumor might not be given the same option. Perjeta and Herceptin are also used to treat Stage IV BC that is HER2+.

BenL

Thank you, Elaine. May I inquire about your experience with any side effects from Herceptin and Perjeta?

SpecialK

 Perjeta (pertuzumab) is a targeted therapy, like Herceptin, specifically for Her2+ cancer.  It is a newer drug, approved by the FDA in the Fall of 2013 for early stage neoadjuvent use. It is combined with chemotherapy, usually Taxotere and, frequently additional drugs. Here are some links, and some existing threads on this site with patients currently receiving it:

http://www.perjeta.com/patient/neoadjuvant

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/targeted_therapies/perjeta

http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/20131004-2

http://www.breastcancer.org/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&term=perjeta&commit=Search

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/828404?page=1

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/6/topic/830895?page=1#post_4383289

 

BenL

Many thanks, again!

ElaineTherese

BenL,

I originally had Perjeta and Herceptin in a cocktail that included a chemotherapy, Taxol. The Taxol numbed my taste buds and gave me mild diarrhea, which is fairly common for the taxane-based chemos.

I'm not sure what side effects come from Perjeta alone, but I'm getting Herceptin alone right now every three weeks and it gives me no side effects. But, each patient is different. See the links provided by Special K for more insights into these drugs.