Monoclonal antibodyFDA-approvedFirst-line

Trastuzumab

How it works

Binds the HER2 receptor on cancer cells, blocking growth signals and flagging the cells for immune destruction.

Cancer types

Breast CancerHER2-positive

Efficacy

In clinical trials, around 50% of HER2-positive patients achieved an objective response, with median progression-free survival of approximately 11 months.

Side effects

Mild

Most people tolerate this treatment well. Side effects are generally manageable and do not require stopping treatment.

Evidence from research

StudyCancer typeStageEfficacy
New Treatment Combination Shows Promise for HER2 Positive Breast CancerBreast Cancerphase-3Overall survival was longer in the pyrotinib group (hazard ratio 0.64 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46 to 0.89); nominal one-sided P=0.004).Source →
Cardiac Risks in Breast Cancer Patients on Combination TherapyBreast CancerobservationalSource →
Testing a Combination Therapy for ER-Positive, HER-2 Positive Breast CancerBreast Cancerphase-2Source →
Comparing Infection Risks of Two Breast Cancer TreatmentsBreast CancerobservationalSource →
Testing Sotorasib and Trastuzumab Deruxtecan for Lung Cancer with KRAS G12C MutationLung Cancerphase-1Source →
Trial Tests Combo Cancer TreatmentBreast Cancerphase-1Source →
Researchers Identify New Ways Cancer Cells Resist TreatmentBreast Cancerlab-studySource →
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Resistance Varies in HER2-Amplified vs. HER2-Low Breast CancerBreast Cancerlab-studySource →
Ebastine May Help Overcome Resistance to Trastuzumab in HER2-Positive Breast CancerBreast Cancerlab-studySource →
Dual HER2 Blockade Improves Outcomes in HER2-Positive Breast CancerBreast Cancermeta-analysisThe P + H arm showed significant improvements in 3-year EFS rate (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.16, p = 0.04), 5-year EFS rate (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.20, p = 0.03), and 5-year DFS rate (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.99-1.20).Source →
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Shows Promise in Lung Cancer TreatmentLung CancerobservationalThe median progression-free survival was 7.85 months, and the objective response rate was 51.4%.Source →
New Cancer Treatment Shows Promise in Breast and Ovarian CancerOvarian Cancerphase-3Source →
Trastuzumab Emtansine Efficacy and Safety in HER2-Positive Breast CancerBreast CancerobservationalThe 4-years disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 92.5% (95%CI=[87;98]).Source →
Comparing Heart Risks of Cancer Treatments for ERBB2-Positive Breast CancerBreast Cancermeta-analysisThe pooled analysis demonstrated a 0.94% incidence of LVEF decrease with trastuzumab emtansine, a 4.20% incidence with trastuzumab deruxtecan, a 4.85% incidence with trastuzumab plus chemotherapy, and a 5.52% incidence with trastuzumab plus pertuzumab plus chemotherapy.Source →
Metabolites Linked to Trastuzumab Resistance in Breast CancerBreast Cancerlab-studySource →
European Study on Lung Disease Risk with Breast Cancer TreatmentBreast CancerobservationalSource →
Combining Trastuzumab Deruxtecan and Abiraterone Shows Promise in Prostate CancerProstate CancerobservationalSource →
Reducing Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Dose May Not Harm Metastatic Breast Cancer PatientsBreast CancerobservationalThe overall median real-world progression-free survival was 8.1 months.Source →
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Shows Promise in Treating Advanced Lung CancerLung Cancermeta-analysisT-DXd showed a 100% probability of being the best treatment for progression-free survival, ≥59% for overall survival, and ≥80% for overall response rate.Source →
New Imaging Agent Shows Promise for Cancer DetectionMelanomaanimal-studySource →

This information is provided for general education only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.