Development and clinical overview of trastuzumab (herceptin).
OBJECTIVE
To provide a review of the two pivotal clinical trials evaluating trastuzumab in metastatic breast cancer, either in combination with chemotherapy or as a single agent.


METHODS
Research reports.


CONCLUSIONS
Trastuzumab is indicated as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy for patients with metastatic breast cancer who overexpress the HER2 protein. The toxicity profile of trastuzumab is favorable; cardiac dysfunction has been the primary dose-limiting toxicity, especially when combined with anthracyclines.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses will deliver trastuzumab in the clinical setting and must be familiar with its efficacy and toxicity profile.
Frankel
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Comprehensive Cancer Research Group/Intercenter Cancer Research Group, Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000473:pathology; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D000068878:Trastuzumab
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000068878:Trastuzumab