Can (Pertuzumab/Perjeta) start 6 months after chemo?

Options
stephilosphy00
stephilosphy00 Member Posts: 386
edited January 2017 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Hi all,

I am HER2- so I don't have a clue about targeted therapy.

My friend in China was dx with triple positive IDC last Feb, she finished chemo and surgery last August and now still on Herceptin infusion and just started hormonal tx. She didn't get to know about Pertuzumab this targeted therapy drug until now (Pertuzumab hasn't been approved in China yet). She really want to come to US to start targeted therapy using Pertuzumab. Is it ok to have targeted therapy after chemo? Does Pertuzumab need to be used with Herceptin?


Thanks!!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2017

    Steph - there are pretty tight requirements to get Perjeta so her situation may not work. I had Perjeta as part of TCHP chemo BEFORE surgery. Also I haven't heard of it being given with out a combo with Herceptin.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stephilosphy00
    stephilosphy00 Member Posts: 386
    edited January 2017

    Thank you for your response. I will let her know.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited January 2017

    steph - Perjeta is currently FDA approved in the U.S. to be administered only neoadjuvently, with chemo, for early stage patients. Some oncologists have had success getting approval from insurance companies for adjuvent use with chem on a case by case basis, or to continue Perjeta with Herceptin after surgery if it had also been given neoadjuvently. I have not seen Perjeta given completely independently of chemo for an early stage patient. I think it would be problematic to find an oncologist who would do this, particularly if they didn't oversee the patient's initial treatment.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stephilosphy00
    stephilosphy00 Member Posts: 386
    edited January 2017

    Thank you so much SpecialK! I just told her. Seems like it is too late for her to use Perjeta now.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited January 2017

    steph - I was node positive and Her2+, but diagnosed prior to the approval of Perjeta, so didn't receive it. In addition to me, there are plenty of women on bco for whom that is true as well. We are still here and going strong! I know it is scary, but tell your friend to try not to worry, and you do the same.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stephilosphy00
    stephilosphy00 Member Posts: 386
    edited January 2017

    I will let her know. Thank you!😃

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories