The FDA has approved a new medicine called Herceptin Hylecta for adults with a certain type of breast cancer known as HER2 positive. This drug is a combination of trastuzumab and hyaluronidase. It is given as a shot under the skin (subcutaneous injection) over 2 to 5 minutes once every three weeks. This is different from the older version that is given through an IV drip over a longer time.
Herceptin Hylecta is for patients with early stage breast cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or is high risk, as well as for patients with advanced breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It can be used as the first treatment or after other treatments have been tried. The dose is fixed, so there is no need for a loading dose or weight based calculations.
This approval means patients may have a faster and more convenient way to receive their treatment. However, it is important to know that Herceptin Hylecta is not interchangeable with the IV form of trastuzumab or with other similar drugs. Patients should not switch between these medicines without their doctor's guidance.
Before starting Herceptin Hylecta, patients must have a test to confirm their cancer is HER2 positive. As with any new treatment, patients should talk to their doctor about whether this option is right for them and what to expect during treatment.