chemotherapy question

[Ray515]

Which chemotherapy drugs are normally used to treat HER2 positive cancers and for how many cycles?

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Ray515, There are several different chemotherapy regimens that might be used for treatment of breast cancer.  What treatment regimen is used would depend on many factors.  The medications that are FDA approved that target the HER2 receptor specifically are trastusumab (Herceptin) or lapatinib (TYKERB).  If, when and for how long they might be used for would depend on the specific situation.  The medical oncologist would be best able to answer your questions for an individual situation.  

[shelley50]

Hi, I was diagnosed with Her 2 breast cancer in July of 2002, I had 10 positive nodes. I am still here and doing great. I just wanted you to know that. I did 1.5 years of Herceptin  either weekly with Taxotere or every three weeks alone  in 2003 after a course of other chemo drugs. In April of 2006 I had an in breast recurrence (same breast) and had both breasts removed and did another year of Herceptin. I credit that drug with saving my life. It gave me NO ill affects although they do monitor your heart every few months just in case. There is even another drug out called Tykerb, so you have a nice arsenal of meds for Her 2 cancers. They are nothing to full around with but thank God we have these two drugs because just 8 years ago women had nothing. The best to you.