Herceptin Trial

[lor]

Hello fellow her2 pals! I have a question for those enrolled in one of the herceptin trials.

I am enrolled in a trial that started with 4 rounds of AC then 12 weeks of weekly taxol with herceptin then 40 more weeks of weekly herceptin.

My question is....has anyone done the herceptin every 3 weeks like the AC in a clinical trial and which trial. (I am in the B31.)
The reason I ask is that it is a long drive for me every week and a lot of missed work. I teach 7th graders and it is difficult to miss so many days. (Then again, what am I thinking....a brake form 7th graders!...ha ha)

What are the advantages and disadvantages to weekly verses every three weeks?
Believe me, I am very grateful to be getting this drug and will do what it takes to keep getting it. I have two babies under 5 and will do what it takes to be here for my grandbabies. I am just trying to feel out my options.

Everyone on this site has very insiteful advice and I appreciate everyones input.

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to keep us all informed, this site is a blessing.

Lori

[John L]

My wife has been on 3 weekly Herceptin for the last 11 months. She goes to the Royal Marsden in London (which I suppose is the UK equivalent of the Sloane Kettering or MD Anderson) a major centre for the HERA trial.

How the Prof explained it when she started was that in the early days they were still running trials on Herceptin safety and heart problems and were using a pessimistic model for the half-life of Herceptin in the body. Hence smaller weekly doses were used as being possibly safer and a reliable way of maintaining levels of Herceptin in the blood.

However, the view at the Marsden was that there was no difference in efficacy between weekly and tri-weekly as herceptin seemed to hang around in the body for quite a long time and there was no great evidence that the heart risks were changed with either regime. So at the Marsden at least they seem very relaxed about three weekly herceptin. Others we meet are on 3 weekly.

In fact, whilst they won't let Monica reduce her intervals by a couple of days, they are happy to stretch intervals to 4 weeks plus to cater for holidays etc.

It is more convenient and gives your veins a rest. Monica has not needed a porta-cath etc.

There may be other factors such as MUGA scores etc, but outside of trials 3 weekly seems to be common on this side of the pond.

[joy]

Hi lor, I am also not in a trial, but I have done herceptin every 3 weeks for about 3 years and have had no problems and good control over my liver and lung mets. my specialist had suggested triweekly as it is just as efficacious and more convenient. But it will be important to get feedback on this as it is in a trial. i'll be curious to see.
love,
Joy

[Diane]

I am in a dose dense chemo, AC/Taxol with Herceptin which started the same time I did the taxol at Sloan Kettering. I have been getting herceptin weekly with the taxol and the week in between, know that I have completed the chemo part YEAH, they will start me on a every 3 week herceptin. My onc. at Sloan says there is no difference in outcome doing it every 3 weeks, and it's easier on the patient. I drive 2 hours each way from New Jersey. I have great hopes with the herceptin, and hope to keep cancer away forever. Bless us all..

[*_tammy_*]

I think that it is possible for you to receive herceptin locally. I am getting herceptin from major research center (and I want to be there for complete initial treatment). However, I did find a doctor (in my small town) who is willing to admin drugs under outside protocol (not change oncologists to him - just administer the drugs).

Worth asking.


Tammy Lou

[*_Mississippi Deb_*]

Hi all. I just completed having a mastectomy in March, and then 4 rounds of chemotherapy - adriamyacin and tamoxifin. I had my first dose of herceptin today, and they are scheduled every 3 weeks for the next year. I had not heard of having them every week. And was just curious as to if anyone thinks the 3 week treatements are as effective?? Thanks,

Debbie

[Lolly]

Hi Deb; the three week protocol is considered as effective as weekly, and is much more convenient also.

<3,
Lolly

[lor]

Thanks for all of the info. I spoke with my clinical nurse and was told that as of now I could only get the herceptin weekly, due to the "protocol". I am hoping to hear that the HERA trial is giving the herceptin every three weeks. It seems we are a little behind them and if they do it, then so will the US trials.
I can't imagine going to get it every week. Just walking in the door makes me feel sick. I know it is all in my head, but I can't stand the "chemo place".

Lori

[*_kath_*]

I have been on Herceptin every three weeks since Sept 03 and was told it is just as effective as every one or two. They just adjust the dose.

[jpuk]

May I ask Kath, through this discussion, the reason for being on Herceptin for as long as 2 years? I am about to go onto this drug for a one-year treatment programme, and have been told that the treatment may be extended for a second year, depending on results of trials yet to be published. Are you on such a trial?

[joy]

Hi lor, I have been getting herceptin every 3 weeks for a long time and am doing quite well (stage IV and all). My BC specialist thinks it works as well maybe a little better, not sure thought, than weekly. I have never had any adverse anything from herceptin and i started with weekly and moved to every 3 weeks. I did this regimen on chemo and since i have been out of chemo. Remember, too, that quality of life and reducing your stress is also a part of your treatment. Good luck!
love, joy

[Gina]

Have to agree with John and every body. The every 3 - weeks dosing is highly effective and the QOL certainly better. I haven't had a port since finishing chemo back in 1998 and have taken Herceptin alone (plus diet and supplements no chemo) on an off since 1999 when I first became stage IV with great benefit and no vein damage or heart damage after all these years...I started on the 3-week protocol but my cancer markers went way too low initially and I started having some mild heart concerns so for the past year and a half I have only been taking it 6mg per body weight (the same dose as the 3-week course) every 6 weeks with great benefit. This is NOT protocol. I just mention it here to let folks know it can be done, but to do it successfully one must carefully self monitor and CHECK those TUMOR markers regularly...

Cheers,
Gina