Breast Cancer (cont.)
Biological therapy
Biological therapy helps the immune system fight cancer. The immune system is
the body's natural defense against disease.
Some women with breast cancer that has spread receive a biological therapy
called Herceptin® (trastuzumab). It is a monoclonal antibody. It is made in the
laboratory and binds to cancer cells.
Herceptin is given to women whose lab tests show that a breast tumor has too
much of a specific protein known as HER2. By blocking HER2, it can slow or stop
the growth of the cancer cells.
Herceptin is given by vein. It may be given alone or with chemotherapy.
The first time a woman receives Herceptin, the most common side effects are
fever and chills. Some women also have pain, weakness, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, headaches, difficulty breathing, or rashes. Side effects usually
become milder after the first treatment.
Herceptin also may cause heart damage. This may lead to heart failure.
Herceptin can also affect the lungs. It can cause breathing problems that
require a doctor at once. Before you receive Herceptin, your doctor will check
for your heart and lungs. During treatment, your doctor will watch for signs of
lung problems.
You may want to ask your doctor these questions before having chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or biological therapy:
- What drugs will I be taking? What will they do?
- If I need hormone treatment, would you recommend drugs or surgery to remove my ovaries?
- When will treatment start? When will it end? How often will I have treatments?
- Where will I go for treatment? Will I be able to drive home afterward?
- What can I do to take care of myself during treatment?
- How will we know the treatment is working?
- Which side effects should I tell you about?
- Will there be long-term effects?
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