Language
Country/Area
No result found
Amazing drug combinations: Why is the combination of Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab so powerful?
In the treatment of breast cancer, the combination of Pertuzumab (trade name: Perjeta) and Trastuzumab has shown extraordinary results. The combination of these two monoclonal antibodies can significantly improve treatment outcomes, especially against metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. However, how this powerful combination is achieved is worthy of further exploration.
Definition and clinical application
Pertuzumab is a human monoclonal antibody that is used together with trastuzumab and often in combination with docetaxel to treat HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. For early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, this combination is also used as neoadjuvant therapy, which reduces tumor size before surgery.
"Pertuzumab is considered the first HER dimerization inhibitor, which can effectively prevent the dimerization of HER2 and other HER receptors."
Drug mechanism
HER2 is a receptor located outside cells. When activated, it triggers a series of signaling to promote cell proliferation and growth. The occurrence of HER2-positive breast cancer is mainly related to the amplification of the ERBB2 gene. Pertuzumab blocks this signal by acting on a specific region of the HER2 receptor, preventing it from binding to HER3. Trastuzumab is also an antibody against HER2, which can further increase the blocking effect of HER2.
Side effects and warnings
Although this combination of drugs is effective in treatment, it is also accompanied by a variety of side effects. In clinical trials, more than 50% of subjects experienced diarrhea, hair loss, and leukopenia. Other side effects include a decrease in red blood cells, allergic reactions, and loss of appetite. It should be noted that for pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant, Pertuzumab may cause harm to the fetus, so these groups must take necessary contraceptive measures when using this drug.
Historical background and economic burden
The development of Pertuzumab began in 1990 and was first discovered by Genentech scientists. Pertuzumab was approved by the FDA in 2012 for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, and was subsequently approved for neoadjuvant therapy in 2013. However, the treatment cost of this drug is relatively high, about US$8,500 per course of treatment in the United States, and it was also rejected in economic evaluations in the United Kingdom due to cost-effectiveness issues.
Why is this combination so powerful?
The combination of Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab makes the blocking of HER2 more complete. This joint attack method can not only effectively curb tumor growth, but also reduce the possibility of patients becoming resistant to single therapy, thus improving the overall treatment effect.
"There is evidence that the combination of these two antibodies can significantly improve overall survival in patients."
Future research directions
With further exploration of HER2-targeted therapy, future research may focus on how to identify suitable patients and use it in combination with other new drugs in order to achieve better efficacy and reduce side effects. In addition, long-term research on how the drug affects heart function is an important topic for the future.
These studies are not only related to how to improve the effect of cancer treatment, but also involve the quality of life and survival rate of patients. In the face of the ever-changing medical field, how should we look at future cancer treatment strategies and think about which new drug combinations can bring better results?
