Cardiotoxicity associated with the use of trastuzumab in breast cancer patients

Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2007 Dec;7(12):1763-71. doi: 10.1586/14737140.7.12.1763.

Abstract

The monoclonal antibody against HER2, trastuzumab (Herceptin), has become an important player in the treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Both in the metastatic and adjuvant setting, the addition of trastuzumab to other systemic treatments has led to a striking increase in tumor response and survival. The downside with the use of this agent, however, is its inherent cardiotoxicity, which is particularly common when anthracyclines are used concurrently. This review will focus on all aspects of the cardiac side-effects of trastuzumab, ranging from epidemiology and pathophysiology to cardiac monitoring, and treatment and prevention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Heart Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Heart Diseases / epidemiology
  • Heart Diseases / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Monitoring, Physiologic
  • Risk Factors
  • Trastuzumab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Trastuzumab