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Hopeful · 07-07-2007, 02:03 PM

I read Dr. Hudis' article in the NEJM, and learned some intereting information, for example, that one of the Phase II trials to establish dosing of Herceptin actually showed better results in metastatic patients who had NOT had prior chemotherapy. A few days ago, I posted this article in the Articles forum: http://www.medwire-news.md/46/67774/..._activity.html The researchers posit that Herceptin may work better in an uncompromised immune system (i.e., one not yet exposed to chemotherapy) as Natural Killer cells are more plentiful before chemo and radiation, and one of the mechanisms of action of Hercetin is to work with the body's immune system to identify and kill Her2+ cells.

I chose to forgo chemotherapy as I though the toxicity did not justify the benefit, but I certainly wanted to receive Herceptin, and was fortunate to find an onc who would treat me with Herceptin and an AI. If Dr. Hudis was setting the standard for my care, I don't think that treatment would be available to me.

My biology is 1.3 cm IDC, ER+ (80%) PR+ (50%), Her2+++ by IHC, Node Negative, BR Score 7, Ki-67 11%, postmenopausal at dx.

Hopeful

07-07-2007, 02:03 PM	#5
Hopeful Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,380	I read Dr. Hudis' article in the NEJM, and learned some intereting information, for example, that one of the Phase II trials to establish dosing of Herceptin actually showed better results in metastatic patients who had NOT had prior chemotherapy. A few days ago, I posted this article in the Articles forum: http://www.medwire-news.md/46/67774/..._activity.html The researchers posit that Herceptin may work better in an uncompromised immune system (i.e., one not yet exposed to chemotherapy) as Natural Killer cells are more plentiful before chemo and radiation, and one of the mechanisms of action of Hercetin is to work with the body's immune system to identify and kill Her2+ cells. I chose to forgo chemotherapy as I though the toxicity did not justify the benefit, but I certainly wanted to receive Herceptin, and was fortunate to find an onc who would treat me with Herceptin and an AI. If Dr. Hudis was setting the standard for my care, I don't think that treatment would be available to me. My biology is 1.3 cm IDC, ER+ (80%) PR+ (50%), Her2+++ by IHC, Node Negative, BR Score 7, Ki-67 11%, postmenopausal at dx. Hopeful