TRASTUZUMAB

It is used for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer that is Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2-positive (HER2+) and has spread into the lymph nodes, or is HER2-positive and has not spread into the lymph nodes. If it has not spread into the lymph nodes, the cancer needs to be estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR)-negative or have one high risk feature.

Indications

-HER2-positive breast cancer, including metastatic and early-stage forms -HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer

Dosage

-Breast Cancer: Initial dose of 8 mg/kg intravenously, followed by 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks. -Gastric Cancer: 8 mg/kg intravenously, followed by 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks, in combination with chemotherapy.

Contra-Indications

-Known hypersensitivity to Trastuzumab or any of its components -Severe cardiac conditions (e.g., symptomatic heart failure, unstable angina) -Patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to other monoclonal antibodies

Special Precautions

Cardiac monitoring to be done Paediatric: Safety and efficacy in children not yet established Pregnancy: Category D Elderly: Caution to be exercised

Side Effects

Flu-like syndrome, back pain, neck pain, malaise, allergic reaction. Reduced ejection fraction signs & symptoms of heart failure eg, dyspnea & orthopnea. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. Leucopenia, hypertonia. Rash. Asthma, dyspnea, pharyngitis & rhinitis. Cardiomyopathy, infusion reaction, embyo-fetal toxicity, pulmonary toxicity, neutropenia

Drug Interactions

-Caution when used with other drugs that may affect cardiac function (e.g., anthracyclines, other antineoplastic agents). -Potential interaction with other monoclonal antibodies or targeted therapies.