Dual mechanism (HER2 signaling inhibition + immune effector activation)
#Herceptin (#Trastuzumab) _ A #blockbuster drug in #BreastCancer therapy.
#Manufacturer: Genentech/Roche
#Indication: HER2-positive breast cancer & HER2-positive metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
#Description: HER2 Overexpression_ Binding to HER2 Receptor _ Inhibition of HER2 Signaling_ Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC)_ Prevention of HER2 Shedding _ Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis.
#BroadApproval: Herceptin is approved for use in multiple stages of breast cancer (adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and metastatic) and for metastatic gastric cancer, increasing its market reach.
#Sales: Over $7 billion in annual sales at its peak, one of the best-selling cancer drugs in history.
#Biosimilars: The introduction of biosimilars has begun to impact Herceptin’s market, but its established efficacy and brand recognition maintain its strong market presence.
#SurvivalBenefits: Studies have shown that Herceptin, when used in combination with chemotherapy, can increase overall survival by up to 50% in metastatic settings.
Challenges:
#Cost: Production of monoclonal antibodies is expensive, making treatments costly.
#Resistance: Cancer cells can develop resistance to monoclonal antibodies over time.
#SideEffects: Herceptin use comes with the risk of several side effects, ranging from mild to severe: Infusion Reactions _ Gastrointestinal Issues_ General Symptoms_ Cardiovascular Issues_ Cardiotoxicity_ Pulmonary Toxicity_ Neutropenia_ Embryo-Fetal Toxicity_ Hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity) _Renal toxicity (kidney problems), etc.
Herceptin needs #CombinationTherapies:
Chemotherapy Agents: Docetaxel (Taxotere) _ Paclitaxel (Taxol)_ Carboplatin _ Cisplatin_ Capecitabine.
Other Targeted Therapies: Pertuzumab (Perjeta)_ Lapatinib (Tykerb).
Hormonal Therapies: Herceptin with hormonal therapies like Letrozole (Femara) or Tamoxifen or Anastrozole (Arimidex).
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors:
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or Atezolizumab (Tecentriq).
PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway Inhibitors:
Drugs like Everolimus (Afinitor)
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs): T-DM1 (Kadcyla): Combines Herceptin with a cytotoxic agent, allowing targeted delivery of the chemotherapy directly to HER2-positive cancer cells.
