Avastin and Herceptin anyone on this?

Options
waterlady
waterlady Member Posts: 56
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

I wanted to find out, if anyone here is on Avastin and Herceptin, and if they are, what the side effects are and how they are doing?  Does anyone know of anyone who has taken this combo, instead of chemo? Thanks for your feedback.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • TammyLou
    TammyLou Member Posts: 740
    edited May 2009

    My best understanding is that Avastin is way more effective when combined with chemotherapy (typically a taxane; often Abraxane).  (Common citations are about 3x as effective).  Avastin is not considered to be effective as a stand alone agent.

    There are also some people who are combining Avastin with platinum agents.

    (And a few are trying Avastin with Xeloda.)

    A lot of the research seems to look at Herceptin in much the same light.  It is less effective as a stand alone agent.

    No.  I don't know anyone who has taken this combo.

    Currently, Avastin seems to be "marketed" toward triple negs.

    Tammy Lou

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dcsige
    dcsige Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2009

    I have ER- PR- HER2+ stage IV breast cancer with mets to the lymph nodes in my upper neck.  My doctor was considering starting me on Avastin, and when I went to MD Anderson for a second opinion, and the doctor there told me that he would not even consider Avastin for me.  He told me that further study has shown that it isn't as effective as thought, and the side effects carry enough risk that it would only be used for Stage IV patients who have mets to various places in their body and a very progressive disease.  I would do a bit of research to fully understand the drug and its effects before considering it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zeeny
    zeeny Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2009

    Dear Waterlady,

    I am poised to start chemo on July 16. I will also be getting Herceptin and have agreed to participate in an Avastin trial. I'm not sure of the Avastin as I've heard and read conflicting opinions on its use. A doctor friend of mine has said NOT to join the trial because of the side effects.

    I'm anxious to hear any opinions you have on Avastin.

     Good luck to you and thanks.

    Zeeny

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • debbie53
    debbie53 Member Posts: 27
    edited July 2009

    I am in the BETH trial where you take avastin along with TCH for early stage BC.  I had 4 treatments with Avastin and then the nosebleeds began.  I have had 2 really bad ones and numerous smaller inconvenient ones.  My BP has also started to rise.  I am no longer taking the Avastin--my onc has said the unknown benefits do not outweigh the risks as the nosebleeds will only get worse.  My 5th treatment was on Tuesday and I did not have the Avastin.  I had a small nosebleed today and I am seeing an ENT specialist because I did need to have my nose cauterized from the bleeds.  I wanted to try all my options, but the onc said that since I am triple positive early stage, the herceptin and AI is a really good treatment without the avastin.  She said that it takes 6 weeks to leave your system, so I need to watch out for 3 more weeks for nosebleeds.  It seems that there are  a lot of side effects with avastin, and may not be worth it for early stage disease.  Good luck with your decision.

    Debbie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shannon_jns
    shannon_jns Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2009

    I am currently on a clinical trial which among other chemo drugs includes Herceptin and Avastin. I haven't had any noticable side effects other than, if you could say normal, side effects of chemotherapy. So far all my Mugas have been good and blood test seem to be fine. If you have any other questions just let me know 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ango74
    ango74 Member Posts: 255
    edited August 2009

    I am also on the Beth trail.  I actually only have two tx's to go.  I had the nose bleeds but once I was on the Avastin and Herceptin only they went away.  My blood pressure has rose some but should go back down after I am done. I have no se's on the Herceptin and Avastin it has been very easy on me.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bluedasher
    bluedasher Member Posts: 1,203
    edited August 2009

    Nose bleeds are pretty common with TCH without Avastin so that might not have been due to the Avastin.

    I don't think this trial is a good idea for stage I women because the risks aren't worth the benefits. I was offered it and decided not to chance  it. The risk of strokes was my main concern and I already have a bit of a blood pressure issue so I might be a bit more at risk.

    Having positive nodes might make a difference in the decision - there is more potential benefit then. I'd have looked for a better idea of how high the stroke risk was before deciding if I was in that situation.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zeeny
    zeeny Member Posts: 7
    edited November 2009

    Hi All,

    3 weeks ago I had my last of 6 treatments of TCH plus Avastin. Today I continue with only Herceptin and Avastin until July. I have had very few side effec - some stomach issues, fatigue for a few days and headaches for a few days. I did not have the headaches this last go around. I have had some blood in my nose but no nosebleeds. My mugas results have not changed at all. Of course, I lost my hair, but it started to grow back right away. I guess I've had it pretty easy.
    Also, I did not get a port and so far have had no problems with the infusions. I've worked throughout the treatments. I wish everyone could have it as easy! 

    Good luck.

    Zeeny

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories