Roche’s Herceptin can cause “acceptable” heart risks

New research has found that the Roche treatment for HER-2 positive breast cancer, Herceptin, can cause cardiac problems – although the risk is “acceptable”, scientists have said.

The study looked at 173 women with metastatic breast cancer after a year of using Herceptin. They were given regular cardiac checks over a follow-up period of over 32 months.

Researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre found that 28 per cent of patients experienced a “cardiac event”, with most suffering from cardiac toxicity associated with heart failure. There was one cardiac-related death during the timeframe of the study.

Of the three patients who experienced an asymptomatic but significant decrease of ventricle function, symptoms were improved following a temporary discontinuation of Herceptin treatment in favour of beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors.

Dr Francisco J Estiva, associate professor in the department of breast medical oncology at the University of Texas Medical Centre, stated: “The drug substantially prolongs survival, and while we found substantial cardiac toxicity, we also discovered that this side effect can be successfully treated, which was not clearly known before this study.”

“If the cardiac side effects of Herceptin treatment can be managed, the drug is safe to use,” he added.

Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the breast cancer charity, welcomed the research, claiming that the more data available on breast cancer drugs, the better.

Dr Sarah Rawlings, head of policy and information at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: “All drugs have benefits and side effects which is why there are different treatments available to suit individual women.”

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