Trastuzumab dosage, side effects

Trastuzumab dosage, side effects:

Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer and HER2-positive metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. It targets the HER2/neu (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) protein, which promotes cancer cell growth when overexpressed.

Brand Names of Trastuzumab

Trastuzumab is sold under several brand names worldwide, including:

1. Herceptin (original brand by Genentech/Roche) – Available in most countries.
2. Herzuma (biosimilar, Celltrion/Teva) – Approved in the US, EU, and other regions.
3. Ogivri (biosimilar, Mylan/Biocon) – Approved in the US and EU.
4. Ontruzant (biosimilar, Samsung Bioepis/Merck) – Available in the US, EU, and other markets.
5. Trazimera (biosimilar, Pfizer) – Approved in the US and EU.
6. Kanjinti (biosimilar, Amgen) – Available in the US, EU, and other regions.
7. Tercego (biosimilar, Biocad) – Available in some markets like Russia.
8. Biceltis (biosimilar, mAbxience) – Available in some Latin American and European countries.

Formulations

• Intravenous (IV) infusion (traditional form)
• Subcutaneous (SC) injection (e.g., Herceptin Hylecta – a faster-administered formulation combining trastuzumab with hyaluronidase)

Key Indications

1. Early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer (adjuvant therapy).
2. Metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer (used alone or with chemotherapy).
3. HER2-positive metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (with chemotherapy).

Mechanism of Action

• Binds to HER2 receptors, blocking cell growth signals.
• Triggers antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).
• Inhibits HER2 signaling pathways.

Common Side Effects

• Fever, chills, fatigue
• Nausea, diarrhea
• Headache, dizziness
• Heart problems (e.g., cardiomyopathy, especially when used with anthracyclines)

Biosimilars

Due to patent expirations, multiple biosimilars have been approved, offering cost-effective alternatives with similar efficacy and safety.