How long on herceptin?

JamieP · 11-02-2006, 10:16 PM

I'm new to this web site. When I was diagnosed in August 2003 (stage IIIa, grade 3, her2 3+, er-/pr-, 8 positive nodes, 4.5cm tumor) I was told I'd be on herceptin for upto 5 years. Since I finished chemo in May of 2004, I've had herceptin every 3 weeks. But, apparently, the standard protocol is 1 year. Every time my oncologist mentions discontinuing herceptin I tell him I'd rather continue. My heart is doing fine according to regular mugga scans, and the only reason he ever gives is because of the potential, unknown risks. Frankly, I'm more afraid of the known short-term risks of cancer then the potential future risks of herceptin. It is a drag to continue treatment, but I'll do anything to improve my odds by even just a little bit. Apparently, there is no data available yet for continuing herceptin beyond a year. Am I the only stage III patient out here who is continuing herceptin beyond one year--I'm coming up on 3 years in January? I'd welcome any feedback on this subject. Thanks.

tousled1 · 11-03-2006, 06:44 AM

I too am stage III. I am planning on taking Herceptin for one year. I have discussed this with my oncologist and she said that most of her patients who are HER2 want to stay on Herceptin indefinately. She does not have a problem with that. The standard protocol is Herceptin for one year. The HERA trail results will be discussed at the upcoming ASCO meeting. These results will compare advantage of one vs two year treatment of Herceptin. As for length of Herceptin treatment --- the jury is still out --- not sure if more is better or less is better.

If you want to stay on Herceptin and your oncologist agrees, then you should do it. It's a decision only you can make.

Kimberly Lewis · 11-03-2006, 07:04 AM

Hi - I am going to get Herceptin for 2 years as it stands right now. Though from everything I read here that is not the norm for stage 3 at all. click on the search and see many past posts that state this same thing. Don't use it as a security blanket - you don't know what price you will pay, no one does. There are some results coming up that speak to that issue. See what you think after reading that.... after that do what you feel best!