CNN/AP: Drug halves breast cancer relapse rate for some

[DeepModem Mom]

Drug halves breast cancer relapse rate for some


(AP) -- Many doctors and patients are embracing a drug described as perhaps the most powerful cancer medicine in a decade, taking their cue from recent studies showing it can halve the risk of relapse for a very aggressive form of breast cancer.

Several experts used words like "revolutionary," "stunning" and "jaw-dropping" to describe the findings on the impact of the drug, Herceptin. Some even talked of a "cure" for a considerable number of women.

"The strength of the evidence is so overwhelming at this point that it would be almost impossible to withhold this drug from the appropriate group of patients," said Dr. Gabriel Hortobagyi, of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He is president-elect of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Others, while excited about the findings, said women who take the drug must be watched for years more to get a better idea how many will benefit. "I think it's way too soon to talk about a cure," said Debbie Saslow, director of the breast cancer section of the American Cancer Society.

The drug, Herceptin, targets only diseased cells and is already used for advanced cancer. But in three studies involving thousands of women with early-stage disease, it cut the risk of a relapse in half....


http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/conditions/10/19/breast.cancer.drug.ap/index.html

[TallahasseeGrannie]

1. Does anyone know

if this drug is effective for inflammatory breast cancer?

[pecwae]

2. TG

I will start Herceptin 11/4. In my reading and research I think I've read that is not indicated for IBC, but I could be mistaken. The link below is one of the best resources for Her2 + cancer patients I've found. You may find your answer there.

http://her2support.org/

[TallahasseeGrannie]

3. thanks

and good luck to you with your healing. I have a close friend with IBC. Rough stuff.

[DeepModem Mom]

4. Thanks, pecwae -- and best to you.

:hug:

[pecwae]

5. Thank you both

for your good wishes. This is my second go with BC, but I've been very lucky as it was caught quite early both times. If it weren't for my Her2+ status I wouldn't have had to do any furhter treatment after surgery. TG, from all I've read about IBC it's very difficult to deal with. I'm sending positive vibes to your friend:hug:

[OzarkDem]

7. I've known of at least 2 cases

of women who had both IBC and were also HER2 positive. It is a unique situation, but it does happen. Docs haven't always tested for Her2 status in previous years, so its possible that it could be more prevalent in IBC patients.

However, IBC won't respond to Herceptin if pt is not HER2 pos.

When first diagnosed, by breast cancer was on its way to becoming an IBC case - scary stuff. Eight years now, no recurrence.

[pecwae]

8. 8 years NED!!

That's fantastic! There is research now that has found even some Her+ patients may not be helped by Herceptin if they lack a cartain protein, PTEN I believe it is called. But, that protein can be stimulated by P13K. I wish they were already testing for PTEN in the clinical setting, but am hoping I'm one of the lucky ones who respond well to Herceptin.

[OzarkDem]

10. I'm not Her2 pos

Just ER/PR neg.

I do know a couple of women who have been on Herceptin now for 7-10 yrs - still going strong.

I heard something at a conference the other day about PTEN, I came in during the middle of it.

Good luck, I know you'll do well on it.

[DeepModem Mom]

11. Wonderful, OzarkDem -- thanks for your post!

[OzarkDem]

6. Only if you're positive for the HER2neu oncogene

About 25% of breast cancer patients test positive for this. There are cases where inflammatory patients have also been Her2 positive. If asking for yourself, check your diagnostic report or call your doctor. Her2 positive pts tend to have aggressive breast cancers that are more likely to recur.

The news is talking about use of Herceptin in the adjuvant setting, meaning just after you have been newly diagnosed. Herceptin has been in use for several years in women living with Stage 4 or metastatic disease.

The cost of 1 yr of adjuvant treatment with Herceptin is about $98,000. Side effects include cardiotoxicity - or damage to the heart.

[Swede]

9. My sister in law was on this drug.

She said the drug only works on 20% of breast cancer patients,and of those it works on half of them. This is a very significant number. Today she has no cancer.
As an aside,the drug was so new and in the experimental stage that the Canadian medicare were not sure if they would cover the costs. The results were impressive enough that all costs were covered.

[DeepModem Mom]

12. Thanks for sharing this encouraging news, Swede.