treatment plan

[pie]

Recently I met with 2 different oncologists. One wanted this plan of treatment: 6 rounds of TCH every 21 days with 2 rounds of H in between; followed by H every three weeks. The second plan was TCH given every 21 days followed by H given every 3 weeks. I don't understand the difference? How many weeks total did you receive Herceptin?

[Jackie07]

Pie,

The schedule of Herceptin has been evolving. If you look at the Newly diagnosed threads, you will find a lot of new treatment plans being used.

The traditional way has been 6 rounds of TCH and then continue with just H for the rest of the year. That is the 'old standard' which has been undergoing modification through various trials. The first one mentioned on your post sounds interesting to me.

[msleslie]

I'm on TCH as well. 6 doses of chemo plus 12months of herceptin. My schedule is Herceptin weekly for 18 weeks + Taxotere & Carboplatin every 21 days for 6 doses. Then herceptin will continue every 3 weeks until 52weeks reached.

[chrisy]

You asked what the difference is between the two:
On both you get TCH every 3 weeks for 6 rounds, followed by Herceptin alone every 3 weeks after you're done with chemo. You didn't say how long, typically the "total" is 52 weeks.

The second one is what msleslie is doing, you get TCH every 3 weeks and on the "off" weeks you only get the Herceptin.