Perjeta on Tumors <2cm ??

exercise_guru

I just finished TCH adjuvantive therapy. My tumor was small only 1.3 cm. Should I or could I have gotten Perjecta for that small of tumor? None of my doctors suggested a neoadjuvant route as they were sure my nodes were negative as did end up being the case. I was told I would not qualify for Perjeta in my situation because it was experimental especially small tumors. Can anyone give me some insight about this?

PezGal

My tumor is also 1.3 cm, but with a one positive node. I don't know the official stance but my insurance company ok'ed Perjecta in conjunction with the Herceptin for adjuvantive therapy. From what my dr told me it really depends on how your insurance company reads the recommendation from the American Cancer society (or some official society that gives recommendations? I really need to bring a tape recorded to my meetings). I also think what got me in the door was that positive node. I'm not really sure, but I'm trying to not talk too loud as I don't want them catching on if they made a mistake.... shhhh...

SpecialK

The FDA currently has only approved Perjeta for use on tumors 2cm and larger, or node positive Her2, to be given neoadjuvently with TCH.  Some docs have been successful lobbying individual insurance companies to allow for 6 doses to be given adjuvently, but I would imagine more apt to be approved for node positive or larger masses.