Trastuzumab (Trade name: Herceptin)
This is a monoclonal antibody that is used in treating HER2-positive breast cancer in early, locally advanced and metastatic stages. It is also sometimes used to treat metastatic stomach cancer, in combination with chemotherapy.
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Side effects of Trastuzumab
The most commonly known side effects of Trastuzumab include:
- Infusion related symptoms such as fever, chills, flushing, fatigue, headache, hypotension, etc
- Cardiotoxicity in the form of shortness of breath, peripheral oedema, and decreased ventricular function
- Decreased count of white blood cells or WBCs (Myelosuppression)
- Lung toxicity in the form of increased cough, difficulty in breathing, sinusitis, pleural effusion, etc
Availability of Trastuzumab
Trastuzumab is available in the following commercial formats:
- 150 mg/single dose vial
- 420 mg/multi dose vial
Administration & dosage of Trastuzumab
Trastuzumab is administered intravenously. Trastuzumab is given on a three-weekly or weekly basis. In the three-weekly regimen for Trastuzumab, a loading dose of 8 mg/kg is given over 90 minutes followed by a maintenance dose of 6 mg/kg, given over 30-90 minutes, on a three weekly basis for 17 cycles.
In the weekly regimen for Trastuzumab, a loading dose of 4 mg/kg is given over 90 minutes, followed by a maintenance dose of 2 mg/kg, given over 30 minutes on a weekly basis for 52 weeks.
Patients with a pre-existing dysfunctional cardiac condition, and breastfeeding mothers should take precautions when using Trastuzumab.