Trastuzumab

• Mechanism of Action
• A monoclonal antibody directed against the HER2 receptor, which is involved in cell signalling and is overexpressed in certain cancers. Inhibition of HER2 signalling pathways results in cell cycle arrest; the monoclonal antibody also mediates antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Clinical Use

• • Indications
  • HER2 positive breast cancer
  • HER2 positive advanced gastric cancer
• • Contraindications
  • Left ventricular dysfunction, as evidenced by an LVEF <45%, or symptomatic heart failure.
• • Adverse Effects
  • Cardiac dysfunction
  • Bone marrow suppression – leucopaenia, anaemia, thrombocytopaenia
  • Immunosuppression (susceptibility to infection)
  • Nausea / vomiting / diarrhoea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dyspnoea / wheeze
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Arthralgias / myalgias
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Flushing
  • Weight loss
  • Insomnia
  • Rash