Treatment for HER2+ early breast cancer
Knowing more about HER2+ early breast cancer
A diagnosis of HER2* positive (HER2+) breast cancer can be overwhelming. We want to help you learn more about your early breast cancer treatment.
In early breast cancer, the cancer starts in the breast but has not spread to other parts of the body. However, cancer cells may also be in nearby glands called lymph nodes.
PERJETA is a targeted cancer treatment that can be started before surgery (neoadjuvant) and may be started or continued after surgery (adjuvant). It is given in combination with a medication called Herceptin® (trastuzumab) and chemotherapy.
*HER2 stands for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The results from a HER2 test are needed to know if your breast cancer is HER2+.
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Learn about PERJETA + Herceptin-based therapy prior to surgery for HER2+ early breast cancer.
Take a closer look at PERJETA + Herceptin-based therapy following surgery for HER2+ early breast cancer.
Understand how PERJETA + Herceptin-based therapy is given and possible side effects.
What is PERJETA?
PERJETA® (pertuzumab) is a prescription medicine approved for use in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy for:
- Use prior to surgery (neoadjuvant treatment) in adults with HER2-positive, locally advanced, inflammatory, or early stage breast cancer as part of a complete treatment regimen for early breast cancer
- Use after surgery (adjuvant treatment) in adults with HER2-positive early breast cancer that has a high likelihood of coming back
PERJETA® (pertuzumab) is a prescription medicine approved for use in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel in adults who have HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to different parts of the body (metastatic) and who have not received prior anti-HER2 therapy or chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer.
What are the possible side effects of PERJETA?
PERJETA may cause serious side effects, including:
PERJETA can cause heart problems, including those without symptoms (such as reduced heart function) and those with symptoms (such as congestive heart failure)
- Your doctor will run tests to monitor your heart function before and during treatment
- Based on these tests, your treatment may be interrupted or discontinued
- Contact a health care professional immediately if you experience any of the following: new onset or worsening shortness of breath, cough, swelling of the ankles/legs, swelling of the face, palpitations, weight gain of more than 5 pounds in 24 hours, dizziness or loss of consciousness
Receiving PERJETA during pregnancy can cause the death of an unborn baby and birth defects
- Your doctor will verify your pregnancy status before treatment begins
- Birth control should be used while receiving PERJETA and for 7 months after your last dose of PERJETA. If you are a mother who is breastfeeding, you should talk with your doctor about either stopping breastfeeding or stopping PERJETA
- If you think you may be pregnant, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately
- If you are exposed to PERJETA during pregnancy, or become pregnant while receiving PERJETA or within 7 months following the last dose of PERJETA with trastuzumab, you are encouraged to report PERJETA exposure to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555
Who should not take PERJETA?
PERJETA should not be used in patients who are allergic to pertuzumab or to any of the ingredients in PERJETA.
What are the other possible side effects of PERJETA?
Serious side effects of PERJETA may also include:
- Infusion-related reactions: PERJETA is given as an infusion. PERJETA can cause serious infusion-related reactions, some fatal. When given alone, the most common infusion-related reactions were fever, chills, fatigue, headache, weakness, hypersensitivity, and vomiting. When given with trastuzumab and docetaxel, the most common infusion-related reactions were fatigue, altered taste, hypersensitivity, muscle pain, and vomiting
- Severe allergic reactions: PERJETA can cause hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and fatal events. Contact a health care professional immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: swelling of the face, lips or tongue, trouble breathing, or chest pains
The most common side effects of PERJETA include:
The most common side effects of PERJETA when given with trastuzumab and chemotherapy prior to surgery for early breast cancer include:
- Constipation
- Damage to the nerves (numbness, tingling, pain in hands/feet)
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Decreased red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, and platelet counts
- Mouth sores or blisters
- Nausea
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Weakness
The most common side effects of PERJETA when given with trastuzumab and chemotherapy after surgery for early breast cancer include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Damage to the nerves (numbness, tingling, pain in hands/feet)
- Vomiting
The most common side effects of PERJETA when given with trastuzumab and docetaxel for metastatic breast cancer include:
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Low levels of white blood cells with or without fever
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Damage to the nerves (numbness, tingling, pain in hands/feet)
Side effects may vary based on chemotherapy regimen. These are not all the possible side effects of PERJETA. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-877-436-3683.
Before you take PERJETA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- Have a history of heart disease
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. PERJETA can harm your unborn baby
- Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if PERJETA passes into your breastmilk
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information, including most serious side effects.