Herceptin more than 1year?

Sunnyca · October 2013

Hi,

Has anyone used herceptin more than 1 year, even without insurance?

SpecialK · October 2013

The only people I am aware of that have continued Herceptin longer than a year are those who are stage IV, and the drug is helping to keep them NED, or providing control. Why are you interested in doing this?

Bren58 · October 2013

I just went to a BC Conference last week where this was actully discussed. Unless it is for Stage IV, like SpecialK said, they are finding that there really is no added benefit to doing it more than a year. But of course that is what they know now, and what they find out tomorrow could change that

SpecialK · October 2013

There are actually a number of trials that are looking to shorten the time early stage (those who are not stage IV) patients receive Herceptin, both for efficacy/effectiveness, and to stave off potential cardio-toxic side effects.

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/trials/a-trial-comparing-6-months-and-12-months-of-trastuzumab-for-early-breast-can

http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search/view?cdrid=509793&version=HealthProfessionalcer

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(13)70225-0/abstract

http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN52968807

http://www.ascopost.com/issues/november-1-2012/one-year-of-trastuzumab-remains-the-standard-of-care-in-her2-positive-breast-cancer.aspx

Here is an article from BCO that specifically addresses more than 12 months of Herceptin:

http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/20121008

stellina · October 2013

Hello, Sunnyca,

since I'll be doing Herceptin after chemo, the topic interested me. And I have found various articles where they speak of tests and trials showing that the standard of care is 1 year, since there are no significant differences between benefits of a 2-year regime over a 1-year regime. Yet, the comparison between the 6-months regime and the 1-year regime proved that the latter is more efficient than the former.

Here are a few links:

Herceptin for a year remains the standard
(December 2012)

6 months compared to 12 months (May 2013)

and on a more economically-tinged note:

Length of Herceptin treatment (October 2012)

Have a good read!

Sunnyca · October 2013

SpecialK, Bren58 and stellina, thank you for all information! I have read someone's blog who are taking herceptin for 2year without her insurance. But looks like 1 year and 2 year are same result. I'm taking TCH right now and will take herceptin 1 year, radiation and hormon therapy. I can do it! Thank you all!

Herceptin more than 1year?

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