What to Expect After Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer
Herceptin is one of a newer group of drugs used in targeted therapy. These drugs specifically target gene changes in cells that cause cancer. Herceptin is given through an intravenous (IV) injection into your vein. It will take 30 to 90 minutes to get your full dose. You can usually have this done as an outpatient.
Targeted therapy drugs work differently from standard chemotherapy drugs. Because Herceptin targets particular cells, it is tends to be less damaging to healthy cells than other types of treatment and usually has less severe side effects. Ask your doctor which ones you are more likely to experience. This list of side effects is listed alphabetically:
-
chills
-
fever
-
headaches
-
nausea
-
rashes
-
trouble breathing
-
vomiting
-
weakness
If you have trouble breathing or feel extremely fatigued, call your doctor immediately. A possible but serious side effect of this drug is heart damage that may lead to congestive heart failure. For many women, this is a temporary condition that gets better when Herceptin is stopped. It appears that the risks for these heart problems is higher when certain chemotherapy drugs are given along with Herceptin treatment.
You may find that side effects are less severe after your first treatment. They usually go away or get better within a few weeks after your treatment ends. If you're having uncomfortable side effects, tell your doctor or nurse so that they can help you ease them.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Alteri, Rick MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Gemignani, Mary L. MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Pierce-Smith, Daphne RN, MSN, CCRC, FNP
Online Medical Reviewer:
Stump-Sutliff, Kim RN, MSN, AOCNS
Last Annual Review Date:
11/4/2009