Pharmacologic insights into the future of trastuzumab

摘要: A combination of factors has been responsible for improvements in cancer survival and cure rates. In addition to new therapies with novel/genetic targets, these include drug delivery, schedules/sequencing administration the identification greater activity/dose density than existing regimens. The recognition that such criteria can affect treatment outcome led their incorporation into clinical trials drugs. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic pharmacodynamic parameters have become increasingly important rational selection dose, route schedule. humanized monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) rationally developed target human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), which is overexpressed 20%-30% breast cancers associated poor prognosis. Trastuzumab when administered i.v. on a weekly schedule either alone or taxanes, improves women HER2-positive metastatic cancer. Based upon considerations, current studies are examining whether be every three weeks by s.c. route. These regimens would advantages patients medical staff terms acceptability, ease and, potentially, cost effectiveness. various combinations chemotherapeutic agents being explored aim identifying optimal regimen use. rationale themselves described.