Herceptin, during or after chemotherapy

[BobPaul]

Hi,

For young people diagnosed with an early stage breast cancer and HER2 positive, should herceptin treatment be done during the chemotherapy or after?

Thanks

[vesnai2000]

A related discussion, Herceptin was started.

[vasfi]

for how many years can be take Herceptine someone with HER2  nou3+  

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Herceptin may be given after chemotherapy or even during chemotherapy and the benefit will just be the same.  However, if Herceptin is given during chemotherapy, it should not be concomitantly given with cardiotoxic chemotherapy drugs such as Adriamycin or Epirubicin as this might lead to increased cardiac side effects.  If ever, Herceptin can be given along with drugs such as Vinorelbine, Paclitaxel, or Docetaxel.  If you are worried about the possible drug interactions and potentiation of the side effects of one or the other, then you may receive Herceptin after all the chemo sessions are done.

Regards and God bless.