Subcutaneous auto-administration of trastuzumab following therapeutic education: A case report

J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2019 Sep;25(6):1523-1525. doi: 10.1177/1078155218792364. Epub 2018 Aug 20.

Abstract

Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat human epidermal growth receptor 2 positive (HER2+) breast cancers either by itself or in combination with other chemotherapy medication. Marketing authorization was granted for a subcutaneous form of the antibody in 2014. In this case report, we discuss our experience with a patient who took part in a therapeutic education program on self-administration of trastuzumab. We demonstrate that these types of self-administered injections are not only possible but also are toxicity-free. Based on the tolerance data and our patient's experience, we propose that the current regulations be relaxed regarding the availability of trastuzumab subcutaneous form in order to develop a cheaper "city scheme," i.e. self-administered injections.

Keywords: Breast cancer; monoclonal antibodies; self-administration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / administration & dosage*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics
  • Self Administration
  • Trastuzumab / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • ERBB2 protein, human
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Trastuzumab