Protocol Question: every 7 or 21 days?

[Paula O]

Does anyone know what determines whether a Her2 positive patient receives Herceptin every 7 days or every 21 days?

I asked the Gennotec folks (sp?) and the nurse did not know.

I know someone at Stage 1 BC getting Herceptin weekly and I am at Stage 3 getting it every 21 days and I am wondering what the standard protocol reccomends. I might ask my oncologist but wondered if anyone here might have researched this already.

Thanks,

Paula


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[Becky]

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.

[NanaJoni]

When I was doing the TCH (taxotere/carboplatin/Herceptin) I did TCH every three weeks with Herceptin every week. When I finished the TCH (after 4 txs) I went to Herceptin every three weeks for a year. I was stage 1 so this may be different for others.

[Paula O]

Thanks for the input Becky and NannaJoni.

Paula

[Kellennea]

That is a good question.

I did TCH every 3rd week for 6 rounds and then continued with Herceptin every 3rd week for 11 rounds. I was Stage II