Herceptin

Herceptin is a new drug that has been very widely publicised recently. It is a monoclonal antibody that binds to a growth factor receptor on the surface of some cancer cells. The receptor is caller HER2 standing for Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2. Growth factor receptors stimulate the cell to divide when they are activated.. Obviously with cancer cells this is not desirable. Laboratory tests will tell whether the cancer is HER2 positive.

An antibody is a protein molecule produced by the bodies' immune system to kill foreign and abnormal cells. Our bodies continuously make new molecules to deal with new threats.

Monoclonal describes the fact that the molecules have the same origin and are all identical.

Herceptin is an antibody that has been manufactured with the ability to block this receptor thereby stopping multiplication of the cell.

Read more on the debate about the effectiveness and cost of Herceptin in New Zealand

Metcalfe S,Evans J. Letter: PHARMAC responds on Herceptin assumptions and decisions
NZMJ 24-Aug-2007 - Vol 120 No 1260 PHARMAC on Herceptin

Isaacs R,Frampton C,Kuper-Hommel M. Letter: PHARMAC's funding of 9 weeks Herceptin: many assumptions in a high-risk decision
NZMJ 10-Aug-2007 - Vol 120 No 1259  Reply on Herceptin

Grocott R,Metcalfe S. Letter: PHARMAC's updated guidelines for cost-effectiveness analyses, with new discount rate
NZMJ 20-Jul-2007 - Vol 120 No 1258  Updated guidelines for cost-effectiveness analysis

Metcalfe S,Evans J, Priest G. Special Article: PHARMAC funding of 9-week concurrent traztusemab(Herceptin) for HER-2 positive early breast cancer. NZMJ 15 June 2007 120;(1256). PHARMAC Funding of 9 week course of Herceptin

Petersen S,Rosevear M.Letter: Roche responds to the 'Herceptin or deception' article-and response by the article's author
NZMJ 07-Jul-2006 - Vol 119 No 1237 Roche reply to Herceptin or deception?

Burgess E,Rosevear M. Letter: Breast Cancer Advocacy Coalition responds to the 'Herceptin or deception' article-and response by the article's author
NZMJ 07-Jul-2006 - Vol 119 No 1237 Reply to Herceptin or deception?

Rosevear M. PHARMAC and Herceptin for early stage breast cancer in New Zealand.Herceptin or deception? 02 June 2006;119 No 1235 Herceptin or deception?