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trastuzumab and chemotherapy
Trastuzumab blocks HER2 signaling on cancer cells while chemotherapy drugs kill rapidly dividing cells, combining targeted and cytotoxic approaches.
Trastuzumab blocks HER2 signaling on cancer cells while chemotherapy drugs kill rapidly dividing cells, combining targeted and cytotoxic approaches. Used for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer (adjuvant/neoadjuvant setting), HER2-positive gastric cancer.
At a glance
| Generic name | trastuzumab and chemotherapy |
|---|---|
| Also known as | PTX, DTX, TC, AC, EC |
| Sponsor | Comprehensive Support Project for Oncology Research |
| Drug class | HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody + chemotherapy combination |
| Target | HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) on cancer cell surfaces, blocking growth signals and triggering immune-mediated cell death. When combined with chemotherapy, the drugs work synergistically: trastuzumab provides targeted HER2 inhibition while chemotherapy agents cause direct DNA damage and cell death. This combination is particularly effective in HER2-positive cancers where HER2 overexpression drives tumor growth.
Approved indications
- HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer
- HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer (adjuvant/neoadjuvant setting)
- HER2-positive gastric cancer
Common side effects
- Cardiotoxicity / left ventricular dysfunction
- Neutropenia
- Anemia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Infusion reactions
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
Key clinical trials
- HER2 Directed Dendritic Cell Vaccine During Neoadjuvant Therapy of HER2+Breast Cancer (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Testing the Addition of Herceptin Hylecta or Phesgo to the Usual Chemotherapy for HER2 Positive Endometrial Serous Carcinoma or Carcinosarcoma (PHASE3)
- A Clinical Study of Neoadjuvant Treatment With TQB2102 for Injection for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Positive Breast Cancer (PHASE3)
- A Trial of Trastuzumab Rezetecan in Unresectable Locally Recurrent/Metastatic Breast Cancer (PHASE2)
- Emotional Distress in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer in First Line of Therapy
- A Study of Zanidatamab in Combination With Chemotherapy Plus or Minus Tislelizumab in Patients With HER2-positive Advanced or Metastatic Gastric and Esophageal Cancers (PHASE3)
- CompassHER2-pCR: Decreasing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Patients After Pre-surgery Chemo and Targeted Therapy (PHASE2)
- A Phase 1 First-In-Human Study of the Anti-CD73 IPH5301 Alone or in Combination With Chemotherapy and Trastuzumab in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors (PHASE1)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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