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Becky · 10-24-2011, 04:18 AM

There were so many different Herceptin studies for both adjuvant and metastatic use. Some studies used the weekly regime and others used the triple dose - every 3 week regime.

It depends but many women get the first doses weekly along with weekly Taxol or Taxotere (12 doses). After that, they are switched to the triple dose and only have to come every 3 weeks (gives some freedom). However, I have heard (this may not be factual) that women who may have a potential for heart problems take the weekly as you get less drug. Also, allergic reactions might be less with the weekly due to less drug.

However, in general, there is no difference between the two treatment protocols except for the time factor for the patient.

10-24-2011, 04:18 AM	#2
Becky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ Posts: 4,179	Re: Protocol Question: every 7 or 21 days? There were so many different Herceptin studies for both adjuvant and metastatic use. Some studies used the weekly regime and others used the triple dose - every 3 week regime. It depends but many women get the first doses weekly along with weekly Taxol or Taxotere (12 doses). After that, they are switched to the triple dose and only have to come every 3 weeks (gives some freedom). However, I have heard (this may not be factual) that women who may have a potential for heart problems take the weekly as you get less drug. Also, allergic reactions might be less with the weekly due to less drug. However, in general, there is no difference between the two treatment protocols except for the time factor for the patient. __________________ 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"