WHAT ARE EXPERIMENTAL AND OTHER TREATMENTS USED FOR BREAST CANCER?
Trastuzumab and Other HER-2 Blockers Monoclonal antibodies are genetically designed agents that bind only to cells that have a specific marker on the cell surface. The antibody identifies the target cells, interprets those cells as foreign to the body and therefore dangerous, and destroys them. Trastuzumab Trastuzumab (Herceptin), one of the first therapeutic monoclonal antibodies invented, destroys cells carrying the HER-2 protein, but does not interfere with normal cells. This protein is partly responsible for cancer cell growth in about 30% of breast cancer patients. Several trials are testing trastuzumab in women with early-stage stage breast cancer who are positive for the HER-2 gene. It is being used in combination with paclitaxel followed by doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. Earlier trials reported an increase in survival rates in metastatic breast cancer patients when trastuzumab was used in combination with the paclitaxel. Of concern are reports of toxic effects on the heart w
