Cardiac Risks for Elderly Breast Cancer Patients Taking Herceptin
“About 70% of all breast cancer are diagnosed in women older than 65. This study suggests that the risk of Herceptin-related heart damage is higher than doctors thought for older women.”
A new study demonstrates that Herceptin (trastuzumab) increases the risk of heart problems in breast cancer patients aged 70 to 92. It is a significant increase of 33% for those who with a history of heart disease as well as for those with diabetes.
About 25% of women with breast cancer have either too many copies of the HER2 gene or too many HER2 receptors. Before Herceptin these woman had a poorer survival prognosis than many women without the HER2 problem.
The potential cardiac toxicity of Herceptin has been known for years, although for most women the chances of such toxicity are considerably less than 33%. It can be risky to take Herceptin. It is also risky for those with advanced HER2 positive breast cancer to not take Herceptin.
There are three tests used to determine HER2 status. It is important to be certain that you might respond to Herceptin before taking it. Because of the known cardiac risks I would want to be certain that I was getting the right diagnostic tests and using the best labs to access my HER2 status.
I am both a cancer survivor and cancer coach. If you are going to take Herceptin please consider adding those evidence-based therapies that can protect your heart such as CoQ10, magnesium and others. To learn more please scroll down the page, post a question or comment and I will reply to you ASAP
Thank you,
David Emerson
- Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Recommended Reading:
- Chemotherapy and Over-treatment in Breast Cancer
- Curcumin, Pycnogenol, Antioxidants Reduce Breast Cancer
- Why Breast Cancer Research Can’t Be Trusted
Trastuzumab-related cardiotoxicity in the elderly: a role for cardiovascular risk factors.
“Elderly breast cancer patients are usually excluded from clinical trials. Nevertheless, with the increasing use of trastuzumab, there is a need to address trastuzumab-related cardiotoxicity in this population…
Conclusion:Elderly breast cancer patients with a history of cardiac disease and/or diabetes treated with trastuzumab have an increased incidence of cardiotoxicity. Continuous cardiac monitoring is especially advised in this population.”
Older Women With Existing Heart Problems, Diabetes Have Higher Risk of Heart Function Problems With Herceptin
“A small study suggests that women 70 and older who have existing heart problems or diabetes are more likely to develop heart problems if treated with Herceptin (chemical name: trastuzumab) for breast cancer…
About 70% of all breast cancers are diagnosed in women older than 65. This study suggests that the risk of Herceptin-related heart damage is higher than doctors thought for older women.
If Herceptin is or will be part of your breast cancer treatment plan, ask your doctor about this study, especially if you’re older than 65…”
