Trastuzumab is used in the treatment of breast cancer and stomach cancer.
How Trastuzumab works
Trastuzumab is a recombinant IgG1 monoclonal antibody. It works against the HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor protein) receptors which are responsible for the over-proliferation of cancer cells in breast cancer and stomach cancer cells. It destroys the cancer cells by inhibiting HER2. It also inhibits various cancer-causing downstream signaling pathways.
Common side effects of Trastuzumab
Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Chills, Common cold, Cough, Decreased blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets), Diarrhea, Fatigue, Fever, Headache, Heart failure, Infection, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Mucosal inflammation, Nausea, Rash, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Taste change, Upper respiratory tract infection, Weight loss