Herceptin and Perjeta

[jacqueline1102]

Hello all,

I have a quick question. I received the TCH trio finishing in February 2012. After surgery and radiation was on Herceptin every three weeks. My liver spot shrunk from 4.6 cm to .9 x .7. My oncologist wants to put me on Perjeta along with the Herceptin to knock out the rest of the liver spot. I thought Perjeta was used only when other therapies have failed which is not the case for me yet. My spot keeps shrinking with the Herceptin. I believe I should stay on the Herceptin only for now until there would be progression. I told him I want to wait and pull this big gun out when I progress. My question is this: "Is perjeta prescribed when other drug therapies have failed?" Or "When should perjeta be prescribed during the process?" It makes no sense for me to take this drug when the Herceptin seems to be working. Thank you all in advance for your help. I so do appreciate your help. Thoughts?

Take care,

Jackie

[Rolepaul]

I say take out the big gun now. Herceptin resistance can occur and you do not want the lone cell to come back in force with resistance. Take the two together and get another 40 years of life out of that beuatiful body.

[Pamelamary]

Hi Jackie,
I say go for it - studies reported here show a 1.5 improvement in results with that combination. Not financed in Australia yet though. There are other guns to fire later on if necessary.....
Best wishes.... Pam

[hutchibk]

If you are confused about Pertuzamab, call or email Sonali (patient advocate) and ask what the FDA requirements are for different stages...

Sonali Padhi, MBA, MPH
Associate Director, Advocacy Relations
Genentech, Inc.
Office: 650.467.0842
Mobile: 415.269.7040
sonalip@gene.com

[jacqueline1102]

Thank you so much, Pam, Rolepaul and Brenda. I so appreciate the advice and information. Take good care today.

Jackie

[phil]

I say go for perjeta too . Works in a unique way / w herc , togehter. I dont understand the science of pert yet, but i like what i see w/ Darlene Gants experience , combining herc /pert. She had very, very seriuos liver mets that have been stabilized , controlled by that combo.
We have had very good success treating my wifes stage iv bc , by being aggressive in tx , w/ t dm-1. 7 liver mets , all gone since last Nov. I say try to kill off whats left of liver mets now. i like your onc's attitude !

[yanyan]

Hi Phil ! How is Darlene doing now? I didn't find any follow up story other than that she finally got Perjeta. It was back in May when she put the heartbreaking video on youtube which got attention from all over the country. She did the right thing ! I found a journal she wrote if anyone is interested

http://www.canceravenues.com/component/content/article/31

[phil]

Shes doing very well, shes on FB. A testimony to the power of pert w/ herc for some her2 pts . Stopped progression in liver, she went to her sons 5th grade graduation , and is living life ! She looks great. She said she has some other areas w/ cancer still in her body , but is holding her own. maybe she could get some t dm-1 later this year .
This all points out what a TRAVESTY This FDA is perpetrating on Stage IV BC pts ! Conditional approval for pert. NO approval for t dm-1. And they get away w/ it . Darlene SPOKE UP , got comp use , before FDA approval. Then they ( Moffit IRB )tried to take it away from her ! Saying it was only a " mixed response ". Better than No response ! And now. Thanks to this Big Brother, " Know - It - All " FDA ; Hospital IRB's , and Ins Co's around the country are denying pert to Stage IV folks !
There will be a reckoning some day soon. I hope it becomes a campaign issue this FAll. Big Govt at its Worst ! I'm an independent, but this is why you need an opposition, checks and balances on any power. FDA, Big Business, IRB's , etc.