Herceptin only?

Momat143

Hi all! I just had my second mastectomy in 4 years, this time for invasive lobular carcinoma, stage 1, grade 3, triple positive...the tumor was less than 1cm and margins were clear. My question is has anyone had just a targeted therapy like Herceptin without Chemo

MinusTwo

Momat - sorry that you're going through this again. There are several active threads about this topic. I believe the consensus is no. Herceptin is given in conjunction with chemo unless you are on maintenance doses as Stage IV. Maybe someone else will post if they have an update on the approved protocol.

Momat143

thanks Minustwo I'll try and find those threads

stephincanada

Herceptin is given with a taxane to boost efficacy. There is less importance placed on the type of taxane you choose (taxol vs taxotere). My research indicated that taxol is more tolerable because it is given weekly, instead of every three weeks. However, taxol runs with the risk of permanent neuropathy, while taxotere carries a risk of permanent hair loss. I chose taxotere, because my mom developed permanent neuropathy when she was on taxol 10 years ago. Tough choice to make in a short period of time. I noted to a friend that I had deliberated longer about buying a new pair of shoes!!

Good luck with your decision and the treatment.

mara51506

Mom, sorry you are dealing with this again. Steph and and Minus are both correct. Protocol would dictate plus chemo at first then on its own.

For early stage cancers, it would be given with taxol then by itself or with Perjeta for a few cycles. Herceptin given for 18 cycles

For stage 4, it may start with chemo then be given indefinitely alone or with Perjeta unless cancer progresses. Echoes given to check heart function since it can rarely cause heart damage.

You most likely would be unable to get Herceptin only without having started with chemo together due to cost of drug and standard treatment protocols. Good luck to you.

MinusTwo

steph - taxotere can also cause permanent neuropathy in some people if both the patient and the MO aren't vigilant and address it right away. And Taxol can also cause hair loss. Docs will not give Herceptin with Adriamycin because both can cause heart damage, but it can be given with some other chemo drugs.

I think the preference is to give Herceptin with general chemo (taxotere, etc) every 3 weeks. After the first batch of (6) treatments, the Herceptin will continue every three weeks for a full 17 doses.