How long can you stay on Herceptin and Perjeta?

When Perjeta (generic name: pertuzumab) and Herceptin (generic name: trastuzumab) are used to treat HER2+ early breast cancer as adjuvant treatment (after surgery), this regimen may be continued every 3 weeks for one year (up to 18 cycles). You may need to stop treatment early due to side effects or if your disease returns.

When Perjeta is given as neoadjuvant therapy (before surgery for the treatment of HER2+ early breast cancer), you will receive Perjeta, Herceptin and a chemotherapy regimen every 3 weeks for 3 to 6 cycles. If you start Perjeta and Herceptin-based therapy before surgery, you may continue to get it after surgery to complete 1 year (up to a total of 18 cycles).

For treatment of HER2+ metastatic breast cancer, you will receive Perjeta and Herceptin until the medicine no longer controls your breast cancer or you experience side effects from the medicine that require you to stop treatment.

What type of breast cancer does Perjeta treat?

Perjeta is a prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat HER2+ early breast cancer or metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread to different parts of the body). It is a member of the HER2 inhibitor drug class.

Perjeta is given with another targeted treatment called Herceptin (trastuzumab), which also targets HER2 receptors, but in a different way. You will also usually receive chemotherapy treatments during your Perjeta and Herceptin regimen.

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Bottom Line

For the treatment of HER2+ early breast cancer, Perjeta treatment is usually continued for one year (up to 18 cycles) along with Herceptin treatment. These medications are given in the clinic on the same day. You will receive these medicines through your vein by an intravenous (IV) infusion. You may need to stop treatment early due to disease progression or side effects.

For treatment of HER2+ metastatic breast cancer, you will receive Perjeta and Herceptin until the medicine no longer controls your breast cancer or you experience side effects from the medicine that require you to stop treatment.

This is not all the information you need to know about Perjeta and Herceptin for safe and effective use. Review the full Perjeta information here, and Herceptin here, and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.