The art of prescribing trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer

Authors

  • Kim Outhoff University of Pretoria

Keywords:

Her-2 positive breast cancer, trastuzumab, patient eligibility, tolerability, dosing regimens, resistance

Abstract

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in HER2-positive breast cancer. This confers characteristics associated with an overall poor prognosis, with early metastases to major visceral sites and a relative resistance to chemotherapy. Trastuzumab is a humanised monoclonal therapeutic antibody that specifically targets HER2 receptor overexpressing breast cancer cells, inhibiting their growth and proliferation, and inducing their regression. It is licensed for metastatic and early HER2-positive breast cancer, determined by slidebased testing techniques. Trastuzumab dosing regimens are aimed at increasing its efficacy, while minimising its potentially undesirable effects which include cardiotoxicity and the development of resistance.

Author Biography

  • Kim Outhoff, University of Pretoria

    MBChB, MFPM

    Senior Lecturer

    Department of Pharmacology

    University of Pretoria

Downloads

Additional Files

Published

2011-03-15

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2011)

Section

Review Articles

License

South African Journal of Gynaecological Oncology (SAJGO) Copyright is held by South African Society of Gynaecologic Oncology (SASGO). Copyright of the articles is held by the authors. The work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial Works 4.0 South Africa License (CC BY NC). Material submitted for publication in the SAJGO is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. The SAJGO does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do no purport to reflect the opinions or views of SASGO or its members.