Trastuzumab

Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody medication used to treat certain types of breast and gastric cancers. It is specifically designed to target and inhibit the growth of cancer cells that overexpress the HER2 protein, which is found in about 20-30% of breast cancers and a smaller percentage of gastric cancers.
Trastuzumab is typically administered intravenously and is often used in combination with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy. It works by binding to the HER2 receptors on the surface of cancer cells, which prevents the cancer cells from receiving growth signals and eventually leads to their death.
In the context of breast cancer, trastuzumab is commonly used as an adjuvant therapy for early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer to reduce the risk of recurrence. It may also be used as a first-line treatment for metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer in combination with other medications.
For gastric cancer, trastuzumab is typically used in combination with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for advanced HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer.
Trastuzumab is an important treatment option for patients with HER2-positive cancers, as it has been shown to improve survival rates and reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence. However, undergo regular monitoring and testing to ensure that trastuzumab is effective and to identify any potential side effects, such as heart problems or infusion reactions. As with all medications, trastuzumab should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.