PERJETA 420MG
PERTUZUMAB
What it does
Pertuzumab is a medication used in cancer treatment, particularly for breast cancer. It helps target and block cancer cells to slow their growth.
Commonly used for: breast cancer, HER2-positive breast cancer
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 19:33:24 · updated 2026-09-25 02:26:49
About this medicine
Pertuzumab is a medication used in cancer treatment, particularly for breast cancer. It helps target and block cancer cells to slow their growth.
What it treats
- breast cancer
- HER2-positive breast cancer
How it works
Pertuzumab works by targeting a specific protein on cancer cells, preventing them from growing and spreading.
Who it's for
This medication is for adults with certain types of breast cancer that have tested positive for HER2.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Pertuzumab
BNF-referencedPertuzumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It is primarily used in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, particularly in the adjuvant and metastatic settings, often in combination with other therapies like trastuzumab and chemotherapy. Pertuzumab works by inhibiting HER2 receptor dimerization, which is essential for HER2 signaling and tumor growth.
Indications
- Adjuvant treatment of HER2-positive early stage breast cancer
- Neoadjuvant treatment of HER2-positive locally advanced breast cancer in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy
- Treatment of HER2-positive metastatic or locally recurrent unresectable breast cancer in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for dosing information.
Adults: Refer to product literature or local protocols for dosing information.
Mechanism of action
Pertuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the extracellular domain II of the HER2 receptor. This binding prevents HER2 from dimerizing with other members of the HER family, which is crucial for signal transduction pathways that promote cell proliferation and survival. By inhibiting these pathways, pertuzumab effectively reduces the growth and spread of HER2-positive tumors.
Pharmacodynamics
Pertuzumab exhibits dose-dependent inhibition of HER2 signaling pathways, leading to decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in HER2-overexpressing tumor cells. Its efficacy is enhanced when used in combination with trastuzumab, as both agents target HER2 through different mechanisms.
Pharmacokinetics
Pertuzumab is administered via intravenous infusion, with a half-life of approximately 18 days. It demonstrates linear pharmacokinetics within the therapeutic dose range. The drug is primarily eliminated by protein catabolism. Its volume of distribution is about 7.5 L, and it is not significantly metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, making it less prone to drug-drug interactions.
Contra-indications
- History of congestive heart failure
- Impaired left ventricular function
- Recent myocardial infarction
- Severe cardiac arrhythmia
- Uncontrolled hypertension
Adverse effects
- Alopecia
- Anaemia
- Appetite decrease
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Left ventricular dysfunction
- Leucopenia
- Mucositis
- Myalgia
- Nail disorder
- Nausea
- Neutropenia
- Oedema
- Pain
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Respiratory disorders
- Skin reactions
- Stomatitis
- Taste alteration
- Vomiting
Interactions
- Monoclonal antibodies may interact with other immunotherapies
- Consult Appendix 1 for detailed interactions
Precautions
- Conditions that could impair left ventricular function
- Caution in patients with a history of anthracycline exposure
- Caution in patients with previous radiotherapy to the chest area
Pregnancy
Avoid use during pregnancy due to potential toxicity and teratogenic effects observed in animal studies.
Breast-feeding
Avoid; no information available on the safety of pertuzumab during breastfeeding.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Formulations
- Pertuzumab (Perjeta®) 420 mg/14 ml concentrate for solution for infusion vials
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.