HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - SCARY TIMES! Doxil vs. Herceptin,Taxatere, & Carbo

Becky · 11-27-2008, 10:30 PM

Dear Lida

I am very sorry that you have not had good results yet. I have not taken Doxil but it is Adriamycin that is processed in a different way. Have you taken Adriamycin (or a sister drug Epirubicin)? If so, did you have good results?

Taxotere is a taxane. You took Taxol and you said you took it three times therefore you must have gotten some results with Taxol. If so, taxanes work well for you and Taxotere may work well. Carboplatin added to it with Herceptin is a good combination.

Top2A is a gene located near the Her2 gene on a strand of DNA. About one third of the time, when Her2 is overexpressed (meaning it has too many copies) then Top2A may have too many copies too. If you get your tumor tested and it is Top2A overexpressed, the anthracyclins (ie:Adriamycin, Doxil, Epirubicin) can work extra good (they still work if you aren't but they work extra well if you are).

Another thing to consider with Doxil is the potential for heart problems especially if you need to keep trying different chemos and or if you have to keep on chemo indefinitely. It is just a thought to ask your onc about.

Big hug to you

11-27-2008, 10:30 PM	#2
Becky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ Posts: 4,179	Dear Lida I am very sorry that you have not had good results yet. I have not taken Doxil but it is Adriamycin that is processed in a different way. Have you taken Adriamycin (or a sister drug Epirubicin)? If so, did you have good results? Taxotere is a taxane. You took Taxol and you said you took it three times therefore you must have gotten some results with Taxol. If so, taxanes work well for you and Taxotere may work well. Carboplatin added to it with Herceptin is a good combination. Top2A is a gene located near the Her2 gene on a strand of DNA. About one third of the time, when Her2 is overexpressed (meaning it has too many copies) then Top2A may have too many copies too. If you get your tumor tested and it is Top2A overexpressed, the anthracyclins (ie:Adriamycin, Doxil, Epirubicin) can work extra good (they still work if you aren't but they work extra well if you are). Another thing to consider with Doxil is the potential for heart problems especially if you need to keep trying different chemos and or if you have to keep on chemo indefinitely. It is just a thought to ask your onc about. Big hug to you __________________ Kind regards Becky Found lump via BSE Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45 1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side) 2 micromets to sentinel node Stage 2A left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg lumpectomies 9/7/04 4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol Used Leukine instead of Neulasta 35 rads on right side only 4/05 started Tamoxifen Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations Oophorectomy 8/05 Started Arimidex 9/05 Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06 Arimidex Only Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia NED 18 years! Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"