Question about HER2 treatment

Linny25 · 01-07-2009, 10:42 AM

Does everyone get herceptin for a full year? What
determines the length of trtmt?

christie · 01-07-2009, 11:06 AM

hi linny.
I am getting herceptin for 9 months, my onc says that is sufficient.

Linny25 · 01-07-2009, 11:22 AM

Guess I need to ask my onco some more in depth
questions about my trtmt time

StephN · 01-07-2009, 11:49 AM

Hi Linny -
If you look at the Signatures on many of the posts, the treatment and length of time will be mentioned.
Standard of care in America is ONE YEAR of Herceptin.

Normally the only reason for less would be a drop in heart function, which happens only in a very few cases.
You can use the "search" function and see what others have said.

RobinP · 01-07-2009, 12:11 PM

Like Steph Says, The Standard Adjuvant Herceptin Regimen Is For One Year. However, Some Had Had It For Less For Various Reasons. I Had It For Only 9 Weeks As In The Finnish Trial, As The Relative Benefit Of Late Herceptin, Which I Had, Was And Still Is Unknown. My Oncology Consultant Choose A Shorter 9 Week Regimen For Me With Less Cardiac Risks And Seemingly Comparable Effacy.

BonnieD · 01-09-2009, 01:40 PM

Hello:

My sister Pattie was supposed to be on Herceptin for one year but got taken off of it after 6 months due to heart issues (which are not life threatening and should reverse). Her oncologist feels their is no reason to believe that the add't 6 months would make a difference and that what she rec'd should be fine.

She is doing well and getting on with her life. We have no reason to believe that she is anything but NED although her 3 month follow up on 1/26 will tell more.

I just keep praying she remains NED.

Bonnie

Paty · 01-09-2009, 10:46 PM

Linny,

I received Herceptin every three weeks for one year and fortunately with almost no side effects to complain about. Wish you luck.

Paty

Savta · 01-10-2009, 02:40 PM

Hi, there!
I have just finished eight and a half months on herceptin--the first three months were neo-adjuvent (before surgery) and continuing every three weeks since. The plan is for me to stay on and complete a full year. I have echo-cardiograms every three months and so far so good. The year long plan seems to be the accepted protocol.
Good luck!