Herceptin
How Herceptin works
Herceptin can help control the growth of cancer cells that contain high amounts of HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2).
HER2 is found in all human cells. It controls cell growth and repair.
But high levels of HER2 are found in some types of breast, oesophageal and stomach cancer, which helps the cancer cells grow and survive.
These are known as HER2 positive cancers. About one in five breast and stomach cancers are HER2 positive.
Herceptin works by blocking the effects of HER2 and encouraging the immune system (the body's natural defences) to attack and kill the cancer cells.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Find out about Herceptin (trastuzumab), including how it works, when it's used, how it's given and what the possible side effects are.
How Herceptin works
Herceptin can help control the growth of cancer cells that contain high amounts of HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). HER2 is found in all human cells. It controls cell growth and repai
When Herceptin is used
Herceptin can be used to treat: early HER2 positive breast cancer, following surgery and/or radiotherapy and chemotherapy , to reduce the risk ofthe cancer coming back advanced HER2 positive breas
How Herceptin is given
Herceptin is given during visits to a hospital or clinic. Itcan begiven in two ways: by infusion where the medication is fed slowly into your bloodstream through a drip; the first treatment usually
Side effects of Herceptin
Herceptin often causes side effects, although many of these will become less severeover time. The following side effects affectaround 1 in 10 people: a reaction to the medication this can cause chi
Heart monitoring on Herceptin
Heart problems can sometimes develop while you're on Herceptin and they can be serious. Before treatment starts, you'll have a test to see how well your heart is working for example, an ultrasound sc
Who may not be able to have Herceptin
Herceptin shouldn't be used to treat people with breast, oesophageal or stomach cancer that isn't HER2 positive. It may also not be suitable if: you have a pre-existing heart condition, such as hea
Reporting side effects
The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from any type of medicine you're taking. The scheme is run by medicines safety watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regu
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