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    Posted: 10/05/2006    Updated: 03/21/2008
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Trastuzumab

This page contains brief information about trastuzumab and a collection of links to more information from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

US Brand Name(s):Herceptin
FDA Approved:Yes

Trastuzumab is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat breast cancer that is HER2 positive and has metastasized (spread to other areas of the body) after treatment with other anticancer drugs. Trastuzumab is also approved to be used with other drugs to treat HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. It is used after surgery.

Trastuzumab is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

Information from the FDA

FDA Approval for Trastuzumab - Information from the FDA about the approval of this drug and the clinical trials that led to the approval.

Information from the NCI

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

The ALTTO (Adjuvant Lapatinib and/or Trastuzumab Treatment Optimisation) Breast Cancer Trial (03/12/2008) - Information about a major NCI-supported clinical trial for this drug.

Clinical Trial Results: Heart Problems From Trastuzumab Do Not Increase in the Short Term (06/25/2007) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: New Trastuzumab Regimen Lessens Cardiac Side Effects (03/01/2006) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Trastuzumab Effective in Early Breast Cancer (10/24/2005) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Dose-Dense Chemotherapy Helped Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer (06/05/2004) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Trastuzumab Combined with Chemotherapy Improves Disease-Free Survival for Patients with Early Breast Cancer (04/25/2005) - Information from the NCI Press Office about this drug.

Herceptin: Questions and Answers (06/13/2006) - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.

Information from the NLM

MedlinePlus Information on Trastuzumab - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

  • warnings about this drug,
  • what this drug is used for and how it is used,
  • what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
  • what you should know about this drug before using it,
  • other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
  • possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This NLM patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials for Trastuzumab - Check for trials from NCI's PDQ Cancer Clinical Trials Registry now accepting patients.

Important: The drug information on this Web page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.


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