HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Another Study on Her2 and Tamox Resistance

Becky · 06-25-2008, 08:02 AM

Dear Terri

A couple of things - Herceptin's half life is 25 days meaning in 25 days, half the dose is gone. In another 25 days, another half of what was left is gone (have 25% of the dose left). By six months, there is virtually nothing left (within 4 months just 1/32 of the last dose left).

Secondly, is Ruth really ER+ but PR neg (like me). I ask because I did alot of research and continue to do so on this pathology and it seems that for low/moderate ER+ and PR neg, tamoxifen does not work and can actually stimulate the cancer especially if a Her inhibitor is not present.
Faslodex is supposed to be the best thing but AIs are considered better than Tamoxifen due to no direct associations with cellular surfaces.

You should have a lengthy discussion about hormonals with your onc and a second opinion.

06-25-2008, 08:02 AM	#3
Becky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ Posts: 4,179	Dear Terri A couple of things - Herceptin's half life is 25 days meaning in 25 days, half the dose is gone. In another 25 days, another half of what was left is gone (have 25% of the dose left). By six months, there is virtually nothing left (within 4 months just 1/32 of the last dose left). Secondly, is Ruth really ER+ but PR neg (like me). I ask because I did alot of research and continue to do so on this pathology and it seems that for low/moderate ER+ and PR neg, tamoxifen does not work and can actually stimulate the cancer especially if a Her inhibitor is not present. Faslodex is supposed to be the best thing but AIs are considered better than Tamoxifen due to no direct associations with cellular surfaces. You should have a lengthy discussion about hormonals with your onc and a second opinion. __________________ Kind regards Becky Found lump via BSE Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45 1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side) 2 micromets to sentinel node Stage 2A left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg lumpectomies 9/7/04 4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol Used Leukine instead of Neulasta 35 rads on right side only 4/05 started Tamoxifen Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations Oophorectomy 8/05 Started Arimidex 9/05 Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06 Arimidex Only Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia NED 18 years! Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"