Trastuzumab

Trastuzumab is a recombinant humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody directed against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The monoclonal antibody belongs to the pharmacotherapeutic group of targeted tumor therapeutics. It binds with high affinity and specificity to subdomain IV, a juxtamembrane region in the extracellular domain of HER2. The binding of trastuzumab to HER2 inhibits the ligand-independent HER2 signal and prevents proteolytic cleavage of this extracellular domain. This inhibits the activation mechanism of HER2. The mean half-life of trastuzumab is about 19.0 days.

In experimental in vitro approaches and in animal experiments, trastuzumab has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of human tumor cells that overexpress HER2. Trastuzumab is also a highly effective mediator of antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC).

HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer

HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer

HER2-positive metastatic stomach carcinoma

Women of childbearing age should use efficient contraception during treatment and 7 months afterwards. Use during pregnancy should be avoided unless the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the fetus. Breastfeeding should be avoided during and 7 months after treatment with trastuzumab.

Very often:

• cardiac dysfunction
• Infusion reactions
• Haematotoxicity (especially neutropenia)
• Infections
• unwanted pulmonary side effects.

Severe dyspnea at rest

Herceptin®