Is Perjeta a chemotherapy drug?
- Perjeta (generic name: pertuzumab) is considered a targeted cancer therapy, which is different from chemotherapy.
- Traditional chemotherapy kills cancer cells that grow and divide rapidly, and may also affect normal cells.
- Targeted drug therapy like Perjeta attacks human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) proteins on certain cancer cells that cause rapid growth.
- Normal cells have fewer HER2 proteins, but targeted therapy may affect them, too.
HER2+ breast cancer cells have too many HER2 receptors which can cause cells to grow and divide rapidly. Perjeta targets HER2 receptors to slow down rapid growth. However, fewer amounts of HER2 proteins can be found on healthy cells, too, which may lead to side effects, some of which can be serious.
Perjeta is approved to treat early or metastatic breast cancer and is a member of the HER2 inhibitors drug class. Perjeta is given with another targeted treatment called Herceptin (trastuzumab), which also targets HER2 receptors, but in a different way.
Bottom Line
- Perjeta (pertuzumab) is considered a targeted cancer therapy, which is different from chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy works by killing rapidly growing cancer cells, but may also affect normal cells.
- Perjeta attacks certain proteins on breast cancer cells that cause rapid growth. However, normal cells also have HER2 proteins (in fewer amounts), so targeted therapy may affect them, too, and possibly cause side effects.
This is not all the information you need to know about Perjeta for safe and effective use. Review the full Perjeta information here, and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Perjeta (pertuzumab) Product Information. Genentech. South San Francisco, CA. https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/perjeta_prescribing.pdf
- Perjeta.com. Genentech. Accessed August 28, 2020 at https://www.perjeta.com
Read next
What is TCHP chemotherapy and how is it used?
TCHP is a combination of Taxotere (docetaxel), carboplatin (Paraplatin), Herceptin (trastuzumab), Perjeta (pertuzumab). It is used to treat early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer.
Continue reading
How long can you stay on Herceptin and Perjeta?
If you are receiving Perjeta for treatment of HER2+ early breast cancer, you may continue treatments with Herceptin every 3 weeks for one year (18 cycles total). For the treatment of HER2+ metastatic breast cancer, you will receive Perjeta and Herceptin until the medicine no longer controls your breast cancer or you have side effects that require you to stop treatment. You may receive other treatments with these medications. Continue reading
How much does Perjeta cost?
Perjeta (pertuzumab) intravenous solution (420 mg per 14 milliliters) costs about $5,534 if you are paying cash with a discount, or over $99,000 per year. Your insurance will be billed for this medication if you have coverage. You may have additional costs associated with administration of this medication. If you cannot afford this drug, the manufacturer Genentech may be able to help. Continue reading
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