What is Herceptin?

Herceptin (trastuzumab) is a medicine used to stop breast cancer. It is also used to reduce the size of tumors. Herceptin can be taken in early and advanced stages of breast cancer. Cancer experts believe that Herceptin will be an integral part of the rescue of many lives.

Herceptin can be administered in combination with chemotherapy. It can also be administered to patients who previously had two chemotherapy treatment courses. The drug has been used for some time to treat women in advanced stages of breast cancer. It was only recently that was licensed for administering breast cancer at an early stage. Herceptin only works on breast cancer with high levels of HER2 protein. HER2 is located on the surface of some cancer cells. The drug connects to HER2 protein and prevents the epidermal growth factor from achieving cancer cells. This prevents cancer cells multiplication and cultivation. For Herceptin, treatment may not be suitable for breast cancer with very high levels of HER2 protein.Also, the medicine is not suitable for people suffering from heart complaints. One of the possible side effects of Herceptin treatment is the heart's irregularity.

Herceptin studies have shown that the drug reduces the risk of re -discovery of the tumor by 50%. Herceptin was particularly successful in women in advanced stages of breast cancer. One woman is known to be alive nine years after drug administration.

As with all drugs, the possible side effects are associated with Herceptin. They may include diarrhea and headaches. High temperatures and symptoms similar to flu may also occur. There were also reports of pain into the tumor area and the mayjak has spread cancer. Rare side effects include rashes, itching and allergic reactions. If any of these side effects occurs, treatment may be given to treatment. Before starting any Herceptin course, the doctor will perform a thorough examination of the heart to avoid whatCoomes of complications that may occur in heart problems.