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Cancer Drug Information

  • Posted: 10/05/2006
  • Updated: 12/27/2011

Trastuzumab

listen 1  (tras-TOO-zoo-mab)

This page contains brief information about trastuzumab and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s): Herceptin
FDA Approved: Yes

FDA Approval for Trastuzumab 2

Use in Cancer

Trastuzumab is approved to be used alone or with other drugs to treat:

Trastuzumab is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

More About Trastuzumab

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary 3 - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Trastuzumab 4 - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

  • warnings about this drug,
  • what this drug is used for and how it is used,
  • what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
  • what you should know about this drug before using it,
  • other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
  • possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Targeted Cancer Therapies 5 - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.

Research Results

The ALTTO (Adjuvant Lapatinib and/or Trastuzumab Treatment Optimisation) Breast Cancer Trial 6 - Information about a major NCI-supported clinical trial for this drug.

Clinical Trial Results: Two Drugs That Hit One Target Show Efficacy Against Metastastic Breast Cancer 7 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Chemotherapy Less Toxic to the Heart May Be Option for Some Women with HER2-Positive Breast Cancer 8 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Trastuzumab after Chemotherapy Is Effective in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer 9 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results:Trastuzumab Benefits Women with Locally Advanced or Inflammatory Breast Cancer 10 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Breast Cancer Drug Helps Patients with Gastric Cancer 11 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Heart Problems From Trastuzumab Do Not Increase in the Short Term 12 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Trastuzumab 13 - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.

Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.


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Glossary Terms

adenocarcinoma (A-deh-noh-KAR-sih-NOH-muh)
Cancer that begins in cells that line certain internal organs and that have gland-like (secretory) properties.
breast cancer (brest KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
chemotherapy (KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells.
drug (drug)
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
gastroesophageal junction (GAS-troh-ee-SAH-fuh-JEE-ul JUNK-shun)
The place where the esophagus is connected to the stomach.
HER2/neu
A protein involved in normal cell growth. It is found on some types of cancer cells, including breast and ovarian. Cancer cells removed from the body may be tested for the presence of HER2/neu to help decide the best type of treatment. HER2/neu is a type of receptor tyrosine kinase. Also called c-erbB-2, human EGF receptor 2, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.
metastasize (meh-TAS-tuh-size)
To spread from one part of the body to another. When cancer cells metastasize and form secondary tumors, the cells in the metastatic tumor are like those in the original (primary) tumor.
positive test result (PAH-zih-tiv ... reh-ZULT)
A test result that reveals the presence of a specific disease or condition for which the test is being done.
stomach (STUH-muk)
An organ that is part of the digestive system. The stomach helps digest food by mixing it with digestive juices and churning it into a thin liquid.

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/PublishedContent/Media/CDR/Media/705467.mp3
2http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/fda-trastuzumab
3http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/drugdictionary.aspx?CdrID=42265
4http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a699019.html
5http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/targeted
6http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/digestpage/ALTTO
7http://cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2011/CLEOPATRA1211
8http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2011/trastuzumab-nonanthra
cycline1111
9http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2011/trastuzumab0511?utm_s
ource=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ncictresults+%28
NCI+Clinical+Trial+Results%29
10http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/neoadjuvant-trastuzumab0310
11http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/trastuzumab-gastric0609
12http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/trastuzumab-heart0607
13http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=42265&idtype=1
14http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/alphalist
15http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/drug-page-index
16http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learningabout/approval-process-for-cancer-
drugs
17http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/investigational-drug-access