Breast cancer - trastuzumab
The clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of trastuzumab for breast cancer
| Guidance type: Technology appraisal |
| Date issued: March 2002 |
We will consult on our review plans for this guidance in April 2005. |
| Reference: TA34 |
SummaryNICE has recommended that trastuzumab (Herceptin) is used in combination with paclitaxel for women with tumours with excessive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) at levels of 3+ who have not had chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer and for whom anthracycline treatment is inappropriate. Trastuzumab by itself is recommended for women with tumours with excessive HER2 at levels of 3+ who have had at least two chemotherapy treatments for metastatic breast cancer. Previous chemotherapy must have included at least an anthracycline drug and a taxane drug where these treatments are appropriate. It should also have included hormonal therapy in patients sensitive to oestrogen. The level of HER2 protein in the body should be assessed by a clinician using appropriate standards and methods. |
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DocumentsFor healthcare professionalsFor patients, carers and the public
Background information |
Implementing this guidanceAny further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:
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