Biological therapy uses the body's natural ability (immune system) to fight cancer. Some women with metastatic breast cancer receive a biological therapy called Herceptin® (trastuzumab). It is a monoclonal antibody, a substance made in the laboratory that can bind to cancer cells.
Herceptin is given to women whose lab tests show that a breast tumor has too much of a specific protein known as HER2. By blocking HER2, Herceptin can slow or stop the growth of the cancer cells.
Herceptin is injected into a vein. It may be given by itself or along with chemotherapy. Like chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, it can affect cancer cells throughout the body.
