Latest Herceptin Update

[imported_Joe]

Genentech will be filing interim updated clinical trial results with the FDA within the next few months but will be issuing some clarification data to patient advocates shortly.

Although the clinical trials are ended as far as recruiting, the follow up data collection is still ongoing. They do not expect tto publish the final data until June or December of 2006.

Genentech also understands that many doctors are already adopting the protocol used in the trials and that some insurance companies are covering the treatments.

If your insurance company is unwilling to reimburse you, Genentech has a drug reimbursement program that may help you:Genentech Reimbursement Program (http://her2support.org/gene.doc)

Hugs
Christine and Joe

[*_Christine MH_*]

Hi Joe,

Do you happen to know if they will be making available any information on cardiotoxicity?

Here in the UK many oncologists seem unwilling even to give herceptin after treatment (as done in HERA) because of concern over cardiotoxicity, even though this wasn't really much of an issue in HERA. I don't think anybody is getting AC -> (herceptin + taxol), although some seem to be getting the more heart-friendly EC-> (herceptin + taxol). I am concerned that the tremendous reduction in recurrence is being drowned out by the cardiotoxicity concerns.

Any info would be appreciated.