What are trastuzumab and herceptin?

Biologic Therapy: Herceptin/trastuzumab is an antibody to a cell surface proteint coded for by the her2neu gene. Its present in some normal cells but in a subset of breast cancers (10-15%) there are multiple copies of the gene producing large amounts of the protein. The herceptin/trastuzumab antibody binds to that protein and reduces that aggressive nature of her2+cancer. It is usually given with chemo.

Cancer meds: Drugs used for specific types of cancer.

Cancer Chemo-RX : Herceptin (generic name trastuzumab) is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the her2 protein present on ~25% of pt's w/breast cancer, effectively killing that cell. This is currently combined with other chemorx drugs for treating breast cancer. This protein is also present on some stomach cancers; Herceptin is used for metastatic stomach cancer rx.