Can Herceptin be used by itself without chemo?

maryds

Hi, I am posting this question for my mom. So far the pathology report is showing that she has HER2+ breast cancer. She is very clear on not getting chemo.

The oncologist was saying that she can benefit from target therapy, but FDA doesn't approve using Herceptin by itself without chemo in her case.

I am baffled by this and would like to ask for more input.

Thank you very much!

ElaineTherese

Hi!

Yes, most women get Herceptin with a taxane (Taxotere, Taxol, or Abraxane). Herceptin is supposed to work best with chemo. There are a small number of breast cancer patients who have gotten Herceptin alone on this board, and one woman (deni1661) who participated in a study where she got only Herceptin + Perjeta (another targeted therapy). The issue of the FDA is an important one; it is easiest to get health insurance to cover a treatment if it is FDA-approved.

Good luck!

maryds

Thank you!

KayeT

I was 60 years old when I received chemotherapy and Herceptin. It wasn't as bad as I had imagined, which is part of the problem most patients have. The chemo kills the present cancer while the Herceptin stops the growth. Insurance did not give me a hassle because I followed protocol. After my experience I was amazed at the lack of real information of what the patient can expect. I was inspired to write a book for other women to have information from a patient who has been though it. If you feel this may help your mother it is at Amazon. It is called Life after the Phone Rang . . . Please don't take this as a sales pitch, just felt pulled to your post.

maryds

Thank you kindly. I feel that same. Patients were not told a lot of the information.

I'll definitely check out the book.

Amyadipose

49, diagnosed today. Feel same way about chemo but starting to feel I have no options

Ingerp

I definitely pushed back on the chemo. I knew there had been some clinical trials on Herceptin only and I was going to have to be convinced about the chemo. Bottom line, though, is that I was. There is a substantial reduction in recurrence risk from the chemo, and my understanding is Herceptin was developed to be used in conjunction with chemo. Your mother needs to know it's no longer the world of horrible side effects from chemo drugs. It's not a walk in the park but many people tolerate it pretty well. It's also a temporary thing. You get through it and then put it behind you. Life goes on.

hapa

I can say honestly that chemo was not that big of a deal for me. It's not like in the movies where you look and feel like death warmed over.

But I bet if your mom straight up refuses chemo the MO will give her just Herceptin. Once a drug is FDA approved doctors can prescribe it however they want.

exbrnxgrl

The doctor can prescribe it but would insurance cover an off label use?

Superc1950

Hi

I am facing the same dilemma

Did your mum try herceptin by itself.

I had cancerous cells, nothing in the lymph nodes but cells were HER2+.

I am 69, very fit and active, the thought of being made to feel ill frightens me.

How did your Mum get on

maryds

My mom is getting Herceptin with hormone therapy. She is happy with her treatment. She was very determined not to get chemo, and the doctors respect her choice. She is both happy and active. Knock on wood.

It's a very tough decision for most people. My mom is somebody who is determined and stubborn, she stands by her decision and she has no regrets.

I think you should make the decision that you are most comfortable with, but don't make a choice based on your fear. Talk to your doctor and think it through. I wish you all the best! God bless.

MinusTwo

maryads - I don't think you posted your Mom's age. That might be a factor why she's getting Herceptin without the 'kick off' of a taxane.

ByHisGraceTwice

I am thrilled to discover this thread.

I too declined chemo and hormone therapy. Herceptin only never was mentioned. My MO just pushed pushed pushed me to do TA followed by C then chest radiation, Tamoxifen. After my IDC metastasized to my bones and I again declined chemo and hormone therapy I was told I could have taken Herceptin all along by itself. Had my first infusion on April 1.