MUGA scan and Herceptin??

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jeanne46
jeanne46 Member Posts: 1,941
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

First of all, how do you pronounce MUGA  (Moooga or Mug-a)???  Not that it matters, but just wondering.

Second, have any of you who are currently on Herceptin started the drug before having a MUGA scan?  I may be starting Herceptin on Thursday but have not yet had a MUGA scan.  Does it require a contrast infusion?  How long does it take?  I had one about three years ago and have forgotten all the details.

Also, how often does one get MUGA scans while on Herceptin? 

Thanks for any information.  Jeanne 

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  • nagem
    nagem Member Posts: 353
    edited November 2008

    I believe it's pronounced mug-a (short u). I did indeed have a baseline Muga before beginning Herceptin, but perhaps that was because I had been treated with Adriamycin, which is also known to damage the heart in some patients. Yes, it requires a two-part injection, one of them radiological. Takes about an hour for the whole thing. I think I had one every three months. Some people get heart ultrasounds instead, but I've heard they're not as accurate. It's no big deal, in my experience, though upsetting if you start to see your heart function slide (as mine did somewhat, though never enough to have to discontinue Herceptin). I'm curious, though, your i.d. info suggests you're Her2 negative. Unusual to get Herceptin if you're not Her2 positive.

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  • bluedasher
    bluedasher Member Posts: 1,203
    edited November 2008

    I had a baseline MUGA before starting Herceptin and I didn't have Adriamycin.

    A small amount of a fast decaying radioactive isotope is injected before the test. It has a half-life of about 6 hours so by 24 hours it is pretty much gone. I was told I didn't need to worry about being radioactive after the test but as a precaution stayed at least 6 feet from my 18 month old granddaughter and pregnant daughter-in-law until 24 hours.

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  • jeanne46
    jeanne46 Member Posts: 1,941
    edited November 2008

    Thanks ladies.  To nagem:  I tested out 2+ on pathology but non-amplified on FISH - Pathologist did find that some cells were definitely Her/2+. Thus the trial of Herceptin and the reason my info still says Her/2-

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