Pertuzumab
About
Pertuzumab is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of Breast cancer. Cancer is a disease where the cells grow abnormally and divide uncontrollably. The abnormal growth of cancer (malignant) cells in the breast is known as breast cancer. Pertuzumab is combined with trastuzumab and docetaxel for treating patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who have not received any chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer. This medicine is also used in combination with docetaxel and trastuzumab as a neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer in patients with HER2-positive (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) or as part of a complete treatment regimen for early breast cancer.
Pertuzumab contains Pertuzumab as a active ingredient which belongs to the class of monoclonal antibodies. It works by inhibiting the excess production of a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein in the mammalian cells. This causes inhibition of the cancer cell growth and, finally, initiation of apoptosis.
Pertuzumab may cause certain side effects such as fatigue, nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, hair loss, constipation, dry skin, myalgia, upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, and pain at the site of injection. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor. A trained healthcare doctor will administer Pertuzumab. So, do not self-administer. Your doctor will decide the dose of the medicine based on your health condition.
Pertuzumab should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components of this medicine. Pertuzumab may cause left ventricular dysfunction, anaphylaxis, or hypersensitivity reactions during the treatment. Hence, careful observation should be performed for any reactions in the patient. If any changes or hypersensitivity reactions occur, treatment should be discontinued. Inform your doctor if you have any cardiovascular conditions or liver/kidney disease, as it can cause adverse effects. Pertuzumab is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor beforehand. The use of Pertuzumab along with the doxorubicin-containing regimen is not established. Hence, if you are on such treatment, inform your doctor before starting the treatment. Pertuzumab is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Uses of Pertuzumab
Medicinal Benefits
Pertuzumab contains Pertuzumab, which belongs to the class of monoclonal antibodies. It works by inhibiting the excess production of a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein in the mammalian cells. This causes inhibition of the cancer cell growth and, finally, initiation of apoptosis. Pertuzumab is used in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel for the treatment of breast cancer.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pertuzumab
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Myalgia
- Pain at the site of injection
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Tiredness
- Constipation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Upper respiratory tract infections.
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Pertuzumab should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components of this medicine. Pertuzumab may cause left ventricular dysfunction, anaphylaxis, or hypersensitivity reactions during the treatment. Hence, careful observation should be performed for any reactions in the patient. If any changes or hypersensitivity reactions occur, treatment should be discontinued. Inform your doctor if you have any cardiovascular conditions or liver/kidney disease, as it can cause adverse effects. Pertuzumab is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor beforehand. The use of Pertuzumab along with the doxorubicin-containing regimen is not established. Hence, if you are on such treatment, inform your doctor before starting the treatment. Pertuzumab is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Pertuzumab may interact with anti-cancer drugs (anastrozole, carmustine, daunorubicin), monoclonal antibodies (abciximab, adalimumab), antibiotics (bleomycin), local anaesthetics (bupivacaine, butacaine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have cardiac problems or liver/kidney disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlcohol intake might increase the risk of worsening your condition. Hence, avoid alcohol consumption till your condition improves.
Pregnancy
unsafePertuzumab is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Pertuzumab. Use reliable methods of birth control while on treatment with Pertuzumab.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known whether Pertuzumab is excreted in breast milk. Hence, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Pertuzumab. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and the risks before prescribing this medicine.
Driving
cautionPertuzumab will be administered in the hospital setting. Driving is not recommended while on therapy.
Liver
cautionNo clinical trials have assessed the impact of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of Pertuzumab. Hence, if you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor.
Kidney
cautionLimited data are available on the effect of Pertuzumab in kidney-impaired patients. Hence, if you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor.
Children
unsafePertuzumab is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Meditation and yoga have been proven very effective in helping cancer patients maintain a healthy attitude and body.
- Eat more lean meats, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods to give you more energy.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration is often seen in cancers.
- Taking a stroll in the garden or spending 30 minutes of your time doing some light physical activity can be very useful. However, do not over-exert yourself if you feel too tired.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Avoid intercourse while on treatment with Pertuzumab.
- Regular, complete blood count monitoring is advised. Also, monitoring of liver function is important while receiving Pertuzumab.
- Pertuzumab should not be administered for more than six cycles for patients with early-stage breast cancer.
- All patients should be tested for HER2 test before starting the treatment regimen.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is a type of cancer with abnormal growth in the cells of the breast. There are different kinds of breast cancer, such as cancer occurring in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), and in the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, a lump or swelling under the arm, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin.
FAQs
Pertuzumab contains Pertuzumab, which works by inhibiting the excess production of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in mammalian cells. This causes inhibition of the cancer cell growth and, finally, initiation of apoptosis.
Inform your doctor whether you have received any other breast cancer treatment containing doxorubicin in your medication list. Pertuzumab may cause left ventricular dysfunction, anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reactions, and embryo-fetal toxicity during the treatment. Hence, inform your oncologist if you have any cardiovascular conditions, liver/kidney disease, are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before receiving Pertuzumab.
