Negative Receptors and Herceptin

QUESTION: I have been told that I have negative receptors, stage II and the HER2/neu gene. They want to put me in a clinical trial taking adriamycin, cytoxan, and Taxol, and then take Herceptin for one year every week thereafter. I have read all the data on Herceptin and I am really afraid. The S factor is also 2-3. Is there anyone out there that has taken Herceptin and is all right? Also, just because you have the HER2 does that mean that the cancer will come back.

ANSWER: It sounds like you are receiving high quality care. The clinical trial you are considering is a very good one. The Herceptin can be very effective in women with overexpression of the HER2/neu cancer gene. It is benefits usually heavily outweigh its potential side effects in appropriate women. Don't be afraid of it. Instead, bring up your questions and express your fears to your doctors--and they will help you understand what you can expect and get you through it all. They won't know how help you unless you let them know what's on your mind.

I've take care of many women who have tolerated Herceptin well and are doing very nicely.

—Marisa Weiss, M.D.