her2+

What are the pros and cons of takin herceptin to treat her2+ breast cancer. My mother n law has had chemo and has had reactions to it now they want her to take only ther herceptin will it be enough they said she clear of cancer cells does she still need it

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  Your mother in law, who has HER-2 positive breast cancer, stands to benefit immensely from treament with Herceptin.  Giving Herceptin weekly for up to a year after finishing all the chemotherapy cycles is the usual way of administering this drug.  The addition of herceptin to standard chemotherapy increases the chances of survival by 33-36% versus mere observation after the chemotherapy (see HERA trial results - http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673607600282/abstract).  Herceptin also reduces the risk of cancer recurrence (12% absolute reduction in risk of recurrence in 3 years, compared to those who received chemotherapy alone).  

Herceptin usually causes fever and chills during or immediately after the infusion (occurs in 40% of patients receiving this drug).  The more serious adverse reaction is cardiac dysfunction (congestive heart failure) which may occur in up to 4% of those taking this drug.