Herceptin treatment for breast cancer
The cancer specialists at AOA体育平台 can prescribe targeted drugs like Herceptin to help your body control the growth of your breast cancer.
Breast cancer cells grow in an uncontrolled way. This growth can be stimulated by chemical messages in the blood, which signal to specific receptors on the cancer cells.
Quick facts
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What is it for?
To help control the growth of breast cancer
Treatment overview
These Her2 receptors are found in all cells, they control cell growth and repair. But they are present in particularly high numbers in 1 in 5 breast cancers, which can fuel the cancer鈥檚 growth and spread.
Her2 can be blocked by immune therapy, with a drug called Herceptin. It鈥檚 a monoclonal antibody that can block the signals, potentially slowing cancer growth and preventing recurrence.
Cancer treatment can be challenging, physically and emotionally. At this difficult time, AOA体育平台 can offer advanced treatments, as well as support and a stress-free environment in which to recover.
Understanding your treatment
AOA体育平台鈥檚 expert pathologists will analyse cells from your breast cancer and check for the presence of Her2 receptors. They鈥檙e found in small amounts on normal breast cells, but some cancer cells have larger numbers of the receptor. The more receptors a cancer has, the quicker it may grow, but Herceptin can block the signal, slow cancer growth and improve chances of survival.
Your consultant oncologist will discuss your treatment options and design a customised plan of treatment, always considering your feelings and your general health.
Dr Mary McCormack, Dr Suzy Cleator and Prof Paul Ellis will explain what to expect during treatment and take time to answer any questions you may have.
Treatment facts
Herceptin is to be given directly into the vein or injected into your thigh, so the experience of treatment is a little like having chemotherapy, although with fewer unpleasant side-effects. If having treatment via your vein, a drip may be inserted, or sometimes a device called an indwelling catheter can be put into your vein. This stays in place throughout the course of your treatment. It reduces the need for repeated needle insertions and can be much more comfortable, especially for people in whom venous access is a problem.
The drug is infused intravenously over around an hour. For early breast cancer, the treatment is repeated every 3 weeks for one year, but for more advanced disease, treatment can be given weekly. If you have the treatment via an injection, the treatment time is less.
Treatment risks and recovery
The first treatment may make you feel unwell, however this usually wears off fairly quickly. You may be tired and notice hot flushes and sweats, diarrhoea and joint or muscle pain.1
With continued treatment, your heart will be monitored because Herceptin can occasionally cause cardiac complications.
The effectiveness of your treatment will depend on the size and stage of the cancer and your general health. Throughout therapy, AOA体育平台鈥檚 multidisciplinary team will work to maintain your physical health and your emotional wellbeing, they will support you and your family through every step of your cancer journey.
Why choose AOA体育平台
Excellence in one place
AOA体育平台, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, operate as teams of experts with world-class resources, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care. Supported by the latest treatments, expert guidance, and a comfortable recovery environment in our patient rooms, you'll have everything you need to regain your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. We鈥檒l be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care to your specific needs, including healthy and delicious meals designed to support your recovery. We keep our staff-to-patient ratio low, so our nurses, clinicians, therapists, and support teams can offer a personalised, quality experience.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through every step of your patient experience. From explaining your personal treatment plan to ensuring all details are taken care of, we make the process stress-free, so you can focus on your health. Whether it鈥檚 your first consultation or follow-up care, our teams are here to provide seamless support and the peace of mind you deserve.
What's included in your package?
Choosing AOA体育平台 means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That鈥檚 why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us. To help you manage the cost, we also offer a 0% finance option, allowing you to spread the payments for your treatment over 12 months with no added interest. Learn more about our .
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you鈥檙e paying for yourself, we have 0% finance options available with Chrysalis. Find out more .