Question for Chrisy or anyone else on Perjeta
 

I have been back on Herceptin ( after my one year break) since Aug. 6th, and unfortunately my CA 15-3 has started to rise again (currently at 80) Looks like the Herceptin alone might not be enough to stop whatever is brewing inside me this time. I will be getting my tumor markers and Her2 Serum levels checked again this week, and am already thinking of what my next option might be if they are even higher.

I know that the Perjeta is indicated for those who have not had prior anti Her2 therapy, so was just wondering how you were able to get it? I really want to avoid chemo if at all possible, since I struggle with my blood counts due to previous treatments.

Thanks for any info you care to share,
Kim

Re: Question for Chrisy or anyone else on Perjeta
 

Hi Kim. I just started Perjeta on Friday and I've been on Herceptin since last March. Like you, I'm hoping to avoid chemo. My doctor told me that if this combo doesn't work, I will probably be looking at chemo. I read about the criteria for getting Perjeta and the requirement of no previous her 2 treatments, but my doctor never mentioned it. He just put the order in and I started it on Friday, so I'm not sure. Good luck!

Re: Question for Chrisy or anyone else on Perjeta
 

There are new recommendations for Perjeta on nccn.com, which most insurance companies use as a guideline for payment.
Good luck and hope it's your ticket,
Karen

Re: Question for Chrisy or anyone else on Perjeta
 

Karen, I saw it had been added for first line metastatic treatment, is there something more recent that would open it up for later stage access?

Kim, I have had 2 treatments with Perjeta, both times after the clinic presumably confirmed authorization. Well see, I sure hope thats true! I know my onc spoke to the insurance co and asked them to " review" the decision, UST nobodyisvquitecsure what appended...nt much help I know!

I am now getting It with taxotere, as I needed to sm that stupid cancer, my onc told me it was easier to get approval for it that way, but who knows. In your case it would seem reasonable to try with the biological one frost.

Just keep pushing...
Goo