Trastuzumab is used for adjuvant treatment of HER2 overexpressing node +Ve or node -Ve (ER/PR negative or with one high risk feature) breast cancer, as part of a treatment regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and either docetaxel or paclitaxel, with docetaxel and carboplatin, as a single agent after multimodality anthracycline based therapy.
The trastuzumab injection 440 mg is used together with the paclitaxel as a first-line treatment option of HER2 overexpressing metastatic breast cancer. And as a single agent for the treatment of HER2 overexpressing breast cancer in those patients who have taken one or more chemo regimens for the metastatic disease.
Trastuzumab is used, along with cisplatin and capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil, for treatment of patients with HER2 overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, who have not previously being treated for the metastatic disease.
Approval: The trastuzumab 440 mg works in order to bind to the HER2 receptor and slow down or resist the cell duplication.
In the month of September 1998, Trastuzumab was approved for medical use in the United States, and in the month of August 2000, it was approved in the European Union.
Dosage Form: Trastuzumab comes in the form of injections generically and under the brand name Herceptin. It is for intravenous (IV) infusion only. Administration as an IV push or bolus is not recommended. For the adjuvant treatment of HER2 overexpressing breast cancer, administer at either initial dose of 4mg per kg over 90 minute IV infusion, then 2mg per kg over 30 minute IV infusion weekly for 52 weeks, or initial dose of 8mg per kg over 90 minutes IV infusion, then 6mg per kg over 30 to 90 minutes IV infusion every 3 weeks for 52 weeks.
For the metastatic HER2 overexpressing breast cancer, administer trastuzumab at an initial dose of 4mg per kg as a 90 minute IV infusion after the subsequent weekly doses of 2mg per kg as 30 minute IV infusions.
For the metastatic HER2 overexpressing gastric cancer, administer trastuzumab at an initial dose of 8mg per kg over 90 minutes IV infusion, followed by the 6mg per kg over 30 to 90 minutes IV infusion every 3 weeks.
Side Effects: Side effects of trastuzumab are usually mild and not life threatening. The commonly reported side effects may include headache, fever, infection, cough, trouble sleeping, and rash.
Cost: The trastuzumab injection price in India may vary depending on the wholesaler or pharmacy and of course the brand you choose. The cost of trastuzumab ranges from around 19,995 INR to 1,10,700 INR for a supply of vial 1 injection.