Herti 150 mg contains Trastuzumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody specifically designed to target HER2 (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2).
HER2 is a protein found on the surface of some cancer cells which, when overexpressed, makes these cancers grow and spread faster.
Herti, given as an intravenous infusion, is used to treat HER2-positive breast and gastric cancers, dramatically improving survival rates and reducing the chance of disease progression.

The 150 mg vial is typically used for maintenance doses or to adjust to body weight-based calculations in treatment protocols.

Mechanism of Action

Trastuzumab precisely targets the HER2 pathway:

• It binds to the extracellular domain of the HER2 receptor, blocking the signals that drive tumour growth and division.

• It also flags the cancer cells for destruction by the immune system through a process called antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), which recruits immune cells to attack the marked cancer cells.

This dual action—blocking growth signals and enlisting the immune system—helps slow cancer spread and often shrinks tumours.

Uses / Indications

Herti (trastuzumab) is indicated for treating:

• HER2-positive breast cancer, including:

  • Early-stage disease (adjuvant therapy) after surgery, to reduce recurrence risk.

  • Metastatic breast cancer, either alone or with chemotherapy, to control advanced disease.

• HER2-positive metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, in combination with chemotherapy.

Before starting therapy, the tumour is tested for HER2 overexpression or gene amplification using tests like IHC or FISH, to ensure trastuzumab is appropriate.

Adverse Effects

Trastuzumab is generally well tolerated, but because of its impact on heart cells and immune activation, it comes with important side effects.

Common side effects include:

• Infusion-related reactions: chills, fever, flushing, nausea, headache, or muscle aches, most often during the first infusion.

• Fatigue, mild diarrhoea, or rash.

Important but less common risks:

• Heart problems (cardiotoxicity):

  • Trastuzumab can reduce the heart’s pumping efficiency (left ventricular ejection fraction), sometimes leading to heart failure. This is why echocardiograms or MUGA scans are done every few months.

• Lung effects (rare): shortness of breath, cough, or interstitial lung disease.