Question 1

what is the definition or description of: herceptin (trastuzumab) allergy?

Accepted Answer

See below: Allergy is aberrant immune response to any entity.

Question 2

what are risks of  the cancer drug herceptin (trastuzumab)?

Accepted Answer

Several: Herceptin (trastuzumab) is remarkably well tolerated. The most common side effect is a decline in the pumping ability of the heart (called the left ventricular ejection fraction), possibly leading to congestive heart failure. Thus, people getting Herceptin (trastuzumab) should have an echocardiogram done before, and about every 3 months while on herceptin (trastuzumab). Most of the time, the heart recovers after the Herceptin (trastuzumab) is stopped.

Question 3

do you know which drug company offer the best quality of herceptin (trastuzumab)?

Accepted Answer

Genentech: I'm not sure what you mean. Genentech created Herceptin® (trastuzumab) -- http://www.gene.com/patients/medicines/herceptin. I haven't encountered generic trastuzumab in the U.S. I'm not up to date on anything ex-US except -- Roche wins battle against India sales of generic cancer drug -- http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f1d8b1ce-8fd6-11e3-aee9-00144feab7de.html#axzz4038uSIed

Question 4

how is herceptin (trastuzumab) therapy administered to a patient?

Accepted Answer

Intravenously.: Herceptin (trastuzumab) is given through an iv, typically in your cancer doctor's office.

Question 5

is there a possibilty of cancer metastases while  herceptin (trastuzumab) session is still on going ?

Accepted Answer

Theoretically, yes. : Herceptin (trastuzumab) is used to treat breast cancers that have her2/neu receptors. While this drug is very effective, it will not eradicate all breast cancer cells 100% of the time. Therefore, it is possible to be diagnosed with metastatic disease despite ongoing treatment (although we certainly hope not).  Of course, every case is unique & the best dr. To talk to is the treating physician. Good luck!

Question 6

how does herceptin (trastuzumab) work?

Accepted Answer

Many ways: Described by dr. Clifford hudis in nejm in 2007.  It can reduce her2 signaling, it can recruit cells to directly kill cancer cells.  Her2 can activate a protein called p95.  Herceptin (trastuzumab) can block this thereby reduce signaling leading to cell death.  It is a multifaceted medication so this is why it is probably the most important drug in her2 positive breast cancer.  Hope this helps.

Question 7

who should avoid taking herceptin (trastuzumab)?

Accepted Answer

History heart failur: There are many considerations, but you should not take Herceptin (trastuzumab) if you have a history of congestive heart failure.  Visit with your doctor to see if Herceptin (trastuzumab) is right for you.

Question 8

side effects of herceptin (trastuzumab)?

Accepted Answer

Mostly heart related: But it depends on pre existent heart problems, whether used alone or in combination with other drugs, and which drugs.

Question 9

unpleasant side effects of herceptin (trastuzumab)?

Accepted Answer

Heart failure: About 4% of women treated with Herceptin (trastuzumab) develop some weakness in their heart.  This decrease in heart function is almost always reversible when the drug is stopped.  Other side effects of Herceptin (trastuzumab) can include allergic reaction, fatigue, headache and diarrhea.  Most of my patients have no side effects!

Question 10

what is the effect of herceptin (trastuzumab) on tumor?

Accepted Answer

Herceptin (trastuzumab): Trasuzumab, is a humanized antibody to the her-2-neu receptor, in the erb family of receptors.  It blocks these receptors from their abiliy to institute cell cycling, and thus those expresing her-2 neu antigen/receptor can be blocked, and teh cells can apoptose.

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Doctor answers about:

Herceptin allergy drugs

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: herceptin (trastuzumab) allergy?

A member asked:

What are risks of the cancer drug herceptin (trastuzumab)?

A member asked:

Do you know which drug company offer the best quality of herceptin (trastuzumab)?

A member asked:

How is herceptin (trastuzumab) therapy administered to a patient?

A member asked:

Is there a possibilty of cancer metastases while herceptin (trastuzumab) session is still on going ?

A member asked:

How does herceptin (trastuzumab) work?

A member asked:

Who should avoid taking herceptin (trastuzumab)?

A member asked:

Side effects of herceptin (trastuzumab)?

A member asked:

Unpleasant side effects of herceptin (trastuzumab)?

A member asked:

What is the effect of herceptin (trastuzumab) on tumor?

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