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Breast Cancer: Targeted Therapy 

What is targeted therapy? 

Targeted therapy is the use of medicines that target parts of cancer cells that make them unlike normal cells. They do this without affecting most normal, healthy cells. The medicines are different from standard chemotherapy medicines. They may work when chemotherapy medicines don’t. And they often have less severe side effects.

How targeted therapy works 


When might targeted therapy be used for breast cancer? 

Breast cancer cells are tested for HER-2 in the lab. Your doctor may advise targeted therapy if your breast cancer is found to be HER-2 positive. 

Types of targeted thera py medicines for breast cancer 

The medicines include: 

  • Trastuzumab. This monoclonal antibody medicine is the most common targeted therapy used to treat HER-2 positive breast cancer. Treatment with trastuzumab can stop or slow the growth of these cancer cells. In some cases, it can help shrink tumors.




How is targeted therapy given for breast cancer?

These medicines may be given alone. Or they may be given along with chemotherapy. Trastuzumab, ado-trastuzumab emtansine, and pertuzumab are given as an injection into a vein. This is usually done as an outpatient procedure. This means you don’t need to stay overnight in the hospital. Lapatinib is given as a pill that you take at home in 2- or 3-week cycles. 

What are common side effects of targeted therapy?

Targeted therapy medicines work differently from standard chemotherapy. They only target certain cells, so they tend to cause less harm to healthy cells. They also often have less severe side effects. Possible side effects include:                                                                                                                                                                      

  • Chills

  • Diarrhea

  • Fever

  • Headaches

  • Nausea

  • Rashes

  • Trouble breathing

  • Vomiting

  • Weakness

You may find that some side effects only occur during the actual treatment. They may become less severe after your first treatment. Most side effects go away or get better within a few weeks after your treatment ends. If you're having trouble with side effects, tell your doctor or nurse so that he or she can help you manage them. 

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your doctor right away if you have: 

  • Trouble breathing

  • Leg swelling

  • Extreme tiredness

A possible serious side effect of these medicines is heart damage. This may lead to heart failure (HF). For many women, this is a short-term problem that gets better when the medicine is stopped.

The risks for heart problems are higher when certain chemotherapy medicines are given with targeted therapy. Ask your doctor if you’re taking doxorubicin or epirubicin. Taking these medicines with targeted therapy can cause heart problems. You need to know what to watch for so you can tell your doctor about problems right away.

Working with your healthcare provider




Online Medical Reviewer: Cunningham, Louise, RN
Last Review Date: 9/24/2015