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1: Mayo Clin Proc. 2008 Feb;83(2):197-203.Click here to read Links

Trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity: heart failure at the crossroads.

Sengupta PP, Northfelt DW, Gentile F, Zamorano JL, Khandheria BK.

Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 13400 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA.

Trastuzumab, a drug targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, improves survival rate in women with metastatic breast cancer. Symptomatic heart failure, a serious adverse effect of trastuzumab, occurs in 1% to 4% of patients treated with the antibody, whereas left ventricular ejection fraction declines substantially in 10% of patients. The prevalence of cardiotoxic effects of trastuzumab appears to increase with exposure to anthracyclines. Serial assessment of left ventricular function with 2-dimensional echocardiography or radionuclide ventriculography is the most practical means of monitoring cardiotoxicity. Patients who develop cardiotoxicity while receiving trastuzumab therapy generally improve once use of the agent is discontinued.

PMID: 18241629 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]