HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Tykerb-Only Treatment

daughter_1 · 04-16-2013, 02:13 PM

My mother was diagnosed with Pulmonary toxicity (interstitial pneumonitis) with additional infections (K. Pneumonae), towards the end of her 12 week Herceptin+Taxol cyle. After spending a considerable time in the hospital (4liter oxygen, Saturation at 90, fever) she's now recovering, but our oncos are uncertain whether this is a case of pulmonary toxicity caused by Herceptin or by Taxol!!! She was due for a year long treatment on Herceptin, but her oncos have suggested moving to Trykerb at this point, given that there is no way of knowing and they do not want to risk another episode of pulmonary toxicity.

Also, post her 4th taxol+herceptin cycle, she started developing unexplained tachychardia, which till date hasnt been explained. The oncos once again think it could be herceptin, but state that there is no way of knowing!!

Any inputs on the above situation would be great!

Questions in our mind right now - Is Tykerb as good as Herceptin? Was the episode really caused by Herceptin?? Is it a risk to move from Herceptin to a Tykerb only treatment given that she is node+ve.

Summary:
Dx: Stage 2b, 2 lymph nodes, Her2+ve, ER-ve, PR-ve, no mets
MRM: Sept 21st 2012, 4 AC cycles started on Oct 10th after which 12 Taxol+Herceptin weekly cycles were started in Jan.

04-16-2013, 02:13 PM	#16
daughter_1 Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 9	Re: Tykerb-Only Treatment My mother was diagnosed with Pulmonary toxicity (interstitial pneumonitis) with additional infections (K. Pneumonae), towards the end of her 12 week Herceptin+Taxol cyle. After spending a considerable time in the hospital (4liter oxygen, Saturation at 90, fever) she's now recovering, but our oncos are uncertain whether this is a case of pulmonary toxicity caused by Herceptin or by Taxol!!! She was due for a year long treatment on Herceptin, but her oncos have suggested moving to Trykerb at this point, given that there is no way of knowing and they do not want to risk another episode of pulmonary toxicity. Also, post her 4th taxol+herceptin cycle, she started developing unexplained tachychardia, which till date hasnt been explained. The oncos once again think it could be herceptin, but state that there is no way of knowing!! Any inputs on the above situation would be great! Questions in our mind right now - Is Tykerb as good as Herceptin? Was the episode really caused by Herceptin?? Is it a risk to move from Herceptin to a Tykerb only treatment given that she is node+ve. Summary: Dx: Stage 2b, 2 lymph nodes, Her2+ve, ER-ve, PR-ve, no mets MRM: Sept 21st 2012, 4 AC cycles started on Oct 10th after which 12 Taxol+Herceptin weekly cycles were started in Jan.