Adjuvant treatment is a treatment for early breast cancer that is given just after, and complementary to, the main treatment (usually surgery). For HER2+ breast cancer, this may include radiation treatment, traditional chemotherapy, hormonal treatment, and/or targeted treatment.
Cancer that forms in the breast tissues, such as the lining of the milk ducts or in the milk glands. Breast cancer occurs in both men and women, although it is rare in men.
A cell that divides and reproduces abnormally with uncontrolled growth. This cell can break away, travel to other parts of the body, and then set up at another site. This process is referred to as metastasis.
Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cells (including cancer cells), either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.
Early breast cancer is breast cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body.
An ultrasound image of the heart; also called an “echocardiogram.”
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. HER2 helps cells grow and is found on the surface of both normal cells and cancer cells.
Cancer cells that have too many HER2 receptors are considered HER2-positive. HER2 is a type of protein that tells cells to grow and divide. HER2 is found on the surface of cells in everyone, but cancer cells with too many HER2 receptors can grow and divide too quickly.
A cancer treatment that targets HER2 receptors.
A type of cancer treatment that helps fight tumors that thrive on hormones like estrogen or progesterone by acting on hormone receptors in tumor cells, or by decreasing the amount of estrogen available to bind these receptors.
Also known as an IV infusion, this is a way of delivering medication slowly into the bloodstream through a vein or port.
Small, bean-shaped organs that store white blood cells and help remove cell waste, germs, and other harmful substances from the body.
A commonly used test that takes a moving picture of the heart pumping blood. A MUGA scan requires an injection of a nontoxic radioactive substance.
Cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, or bones; sometimes called “advanced” cancer.
A molecule that is made to target specific cancer cells and may affect normal cells.
An implanted device through which blood can be taken and medication can be given without repeated needle sticks; also called a “port-a-cath.”
A type of treatment that uses high-energy rays to kill cells and/or shrink tumors.
Also known as an SC injection, this is a way of delivering a medication under the skin.
In HER2+ cancer, targeted therapy is a type of medicine that is designed to attack specific cancer cells, but may also affect healthy cells.
An abnormal mass of tissue that comes from the overgrowth of cells.
Herceptin Prescribing Information. Genentech, Inc. February 2021.
Herceptin Prescribing Information. Genentech, Inc. February 2021.
FDA Approval Letter. Herceptin. September 25, 1998. At: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/appletter/1998/trasgen092598L.pdf. Accessed June 24, 2019.
FDA Approval Letter. Herceptin. September 25, 1998. At: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/appletter/1998/trasgen092598L.pdf. Accessed June 24, 2019.
Jackisch C. HER-2-positive metastatic breast cancer: optimizing trastuzumab-based therapy. Oncologist. 2006;11(suppl 1):34-41. At: http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/content/11/suppl_1/34.full.pdf+html. Accessed June 24, 2019.
Jackisch C. HER-2-positive metastatic breast cancer: optimizing trastuzumab-based therapy. Oncologist. 2006;11(suppl 1):34-41. At: http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/content/11/suppl_1/34.full.pdf+html. Accessed June 24, 2019.
Slamon DJ, Leyland-Jones B, Shak S, et al. Use of chemotherapy plus a monoclonal antibody against HER2 for metastatic breast cancer that overexpresses HER2. N Engl J Med. 2001;344(11):783-792. At: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200103153441101. Accessed June 24, 2019.
Slamon DJ, Leyland-Jones B, Shak S, et al. Use of chemotherapy plus a monoclonal antibody against HER2 for metastatic breast cancer that overexpresses HER2. N Engl J Med. 2001;344(11):783-792. At: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200103153441101. Accessed June 24, 2019.
Marty M, Cognetti F, Maraninchi D, et al; for the M77001 Study Group. Randomized Phase II trial of the efficacy and safety of trastuzumab combined with docetaxel in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive metastatic breast cancer administered as first-line treatment: the M77001 Study Group. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23(19):4265-4274. At: https://ascopubs.org/doi/pdf/10.1200/JCO.2005.04.173. Accessed June 24, 2019.
Marty M, Cognetti F, Maraninchi D, et al; for the M77001 Study Group. Randomized Phase II trial of the efficacy and safety of trastuzumab combined with docetaxel in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive metastatic breast cancer administered as first-line treatment: the M77001 Study Group. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23(19):4265-4274. At: https://ascopubs.org/doi/pdf/10.1200/JCO.2005.04.173. Accessed June 24, 2019.
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