Herceptin any studies on difference weekly/every 3 weeks?

Leslie2016

Hey all. I start Herceptin Jan 4 (along with my last 3 chemos) and the plan is every 3 weeks for the next year. I see that some people get it weekly. I understand both are proper "protocol" but I'm interested in understanding the differences between the two ways, and if one is any better than the other (treatment or side effect wise). My google attempts have come up empty on explaining the differences between the two schedules. Anybody have the magic touch to find it?

MinusTwo

I don't know the answer but I have some thoughts.

I had neo-adjuvant chemo & the herceptin was given every 21 days along with my other infusions. Then every 21 days for the rest of the year. It looks like both of you started herceptin AFTER surgery? Were you diagnosed as HER2+ before your surgeries?

Looks like you both had smaller tumors and lumpectomies. Maybe size & stage & grade makes a difference?

I read on another thread that the doses are stronger if given every 21 days - but I haven't verified this.

And lastly, you are both in Canada. I know some protocols are different there. It will be interesting to see what other members come up with.

Leslie2016

Minustwo my final path with the receptors didn't "arrive" before my surgery so we didn't know my receptors. I didn't know I was triple positive at my surgery follow up...it was the day I met my MO and she hunted it down...then all of a sudden I was starting chemo in a week and need the herceptin for sure.

Hopeful56

I had weekly herceptin because my oncologist didn't think I could handle the stronger dose of every three weeks. I think it had something to do with my heart.

Cowgirl13

I wish I had had my herceptin every week. They asked if I wanted to and I said no. What I have found out from reading the boards here, is that the once weekly can lessen side effects.

Re: the length of infusion time--1/2 hour was too much, an hour was better but I really should have had them run it for 90 minutes.

Hope this helps. BTW, I am 7 years cancer free.

Liz

Leslie2016

Thanks ladies. I wonder if since I'm on the 3 week schedule right now, if I do find it a problem with side effects if they will let me change to weekly...hmm. I'll have to talk to my MO about it. Still wish I could find more info on the two schedules. Just really curious how they came up with weekly or 3 weeks...not 2, or 4 or whatever else. It's interesting.

HappyHammer

Leslie- I did the same neo-adjuvant protocol and Herceptin only every 3 weeks for the year like Minus did.  They asked if I wanted to do it every week but since it was about 1.5 hour drive to the center, I chose to continue with the Herceptin every 3 weeks.