Intrathecal (IT) Herceptin (Trastuzumab) for brain mets (Leptomeningeal Metastases)

[Rolepaul]

Good questions, here are some answers:

Has anyone who has had IT Herceptin
treatment ever stopped it due to presumed disease eradication?
Not sure on this point. Nina was told they would not stop because they do not know if there is any way to determine if there is full remission or not. Insurance continues to pay for it because they also do not know when to stop either.

In the absence of tests confirming disease advancement, has IT therapy ever been done to prevent disease progression in previously treated HER2 brain mets patients?
Nina had Band radiation, Gamma Knife, and Tykerb/Xeloda before IT.

What are the worst side effects seen with IT Herceptin? Have
patients had to stop being treated due to issues?
There is a risk of stroke if the does is too high at the start and some have had headaches. Nine has not had any issues.