TRASTUZUMAB Meaning and
Definition
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Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody drug used in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer. It is marketed under the brand name Herceptin. Trastuzumab works by selectively binding to the HER2 receptor, a protein found on the surface of some breast cancer cells. Overexpression of this protein is associated with aggressive tumor growth and poor prognosis.
The binding of trastuzumab to the HER2 receptor blocks the growth signals that the receptor usually transmits. This inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells and promotes their destruction by the immune system. Trastuzumab can be used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Due to its high specificity for the HER2 receptor, trastuzumab has revolutionized the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, which accounts for about 20% of all breast cancers. It has shown significant efficacy in both the early and advanced stages of the disease, leading to improved overall survival rates and quality of life for patients. Trastuzumab is typically administered as an intravenous infusion and may be given on a weekly or three-weekly basis depending on the treatment protocol.
While generally well-tolerated, trastuzumab can have some side effects, including flu-like symptoms, nausea, diarrhea, and cardiac toxicity. Regular monitoring of cardiac function is necessary during treatment. Overall, trastuzumab has proven to be a valuable and life-saving therapeutic option for individuals with HER2-positive breast cancer.
Etymology of TRASTUZUMAB
The word "trastuzumab" is a scientific name for a monoclonal antibody medication used in cancer treatment, particularly for breast cancer.
The etymology of the word is derived from its scientific naming convention. The "-mab" suffix in "trastuzumab" indicates that it is a monoclonal antibody. The prefix "trastu-" is derived from the target protein that the medication binds to, which is the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), also known as ERBB2 or HER2/neu.
Therefore, "trastuzumab" is a combination of the prefix "trastu-" representing the target protein HER2 and the suffix "-mab" indicating a monoclonal antibody.
