pertuzumab at a glance
Medicine class
HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody
Usual role
Combination treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer
Administration
Intravenous infusion given by a specialist cancer team
Important monitoring
Heart function and infusion reactions are monitored
What is pertuzumab used for?
Pertuzumab is licensed for adults with confirmed HER2-positive breast cancer, in combination treatment for:
Treatment before surgery for locally advanced, inflammatory or early breast cancer at high risk of returning.
Treatment after surgery for early breast cancer at high risk of returning.
Metastatic or locally recurrent breast cancer that cannot be removed surgically, where specified previous treatment has not been given for metastatic disease.
How does pertuzumab work?
Pertuzumab binds to part of HER2 and blocks HER2 from pairing with other HER-family receptors. This reduces growth and survival signalling in cancer cells. It can also help immune cells attack targeted cells; trastuzumab binds HER2 differently, providing complementary blockade.
pertuzumab preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 420 mg
How to take pertuzumab
Pertuzumab is diluted and given into a vein by a trained healthcare professional in a setting equipped to treat serious infusion reactions. You are monitored during and after administration. Pertuzumab and trastuzumab are given separately and are not mixed in the same infusion bag.
Tell staff immediately about chills, fever, rash, itching, dizziness, breathing difficulty or other new symptoms during the infusion.
Follow any instructions relating to the other treatments being given.
pertuzumab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting
- Tiredness or weakness
- Hair loss, particularly with accompanying chemotherapy
- Low white blood cell counts, sometimes with fever
- Rash, itching, dry skin or nail changes
- Sore mouth or mouth inflammation
- Headache, altered taste, dizziness or tingling
- Muscle or joint pain
- Reduced appetite
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic or infusion reaction, including breathing difficulty, wheezing, swelling or collapse
- Fever with low white blood cells or other signs of serious infection
- Severe or prolonged diarrhoea causing dehydration
- Reduced heart function or heart failure, with breathlessness, swelling or unusual fatigue
- New or worsening breathing problems, including possible interstitial lung disease
pertuzumab in pregnancy
Pertuzumab is not recommended during pregnancy because human evidence is limited and animal studies found fetal harm. People who could become pregnant should discuss effective contraception with their oncology team during treatment and for the advised period afterwards. Contact the specialist team promptly if pregnancy occurs or is suspected.
pertuzumab while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether exposure through breast milk could harm an infant. The decision to stop breastfeeding or alter treatment requires an individual specialist assessment that considers treatment benefit and the benefits of breastfeeding; cancer treatment combinations may add further risks.
pertuzumab interactions
Pertuzumab is normally used within specialist combination treatment. The oncology team should review all medicines before treatment.
Anthracycline chemotherapy
Combined cardiac effects are a concern. Sequential use is better studied than concurrent use, and heart risk requires careful assessment.
Trastuzumab
This is an intended treatment partner, but both affect HER2 and require coordinated cardiac monitoring.
Commonly co-administered anticancer agents
Clinical pharmacokinetic studies found no evidence that pertuzumab materially altered exposure to several studied chemotherapy and targeted agents.
Common questions about pertuzumab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is pertuzumab chemotherapy?
No. Pertuzumab is a HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody, although it is usually given with chemotherapy and trastuzumab.
Why are pertuzumab and trastuzumab used together?
They bind different parts of HER2, producing complementary blockade of signals that support cancer-cell growth.
How is pertuzumab given?
It is diluted and given as an intravenous infusion by a specialist cancer team, with observation for reactions.
What HER2 result is required before treatment?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.