pertuzumabin

Pertuzumab is a medication used in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer. It is a targeted therapy that belongs to a class of drugs called HER2 inhibitors. Specifically, pertuzumab targets the HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) protein, which is overexpressed in some breast cancer cells. This overexpression can lead to aggressive tumor growth.

Pertuzumab works by binding to a different part of the HER2 receptor than other HER2-targeted therapies like trastuzumab. By blocking HER2 signaling, pertuzumab can inhibit cancer cell growth and division. It is often used in combination with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and trastuzumab, for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. It can also be used in the neoadjuvant (before surgery) and adjuvant (after surgery) settings for early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer.

The administration of pertuzumab is typically done through intravenous infusion. Like all medications, it can have side effects. Common side effects may include diarrhea, rash, nausea, and fatigue. More serious side effects can occur, and patients are closely monitored by their healthcare providers during treatment. Pertuzumab is an important option for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, offering a way to specifically target and attack cancer cells that rely on the HER2 pathway for growth.