Is it safe to give Herceptin along with radiation?
• A: In the adjuvant clinical trials B-31 and N9831, radiation therapy, if administered, was initiated concomitantly with Herceptin, after completion of chemotherapy. In addition, patients treated with lumpectomy were to receive whole-breast radiotherapy with an optional boost to the tumor bed. Regional radiotherapy after lumpectomy or mastectomy was optional in NSABP B-31; however, in NCCTG N9831 it was required in patients with at least four positive nodes. Irradiation of internal mammary nodes was prohibited in both trials (Romond et al, 2005; Tan-Chiu et al, 2005). In the HERA trial, Herceptin was initiated after completion of radiation, if given (for patients undergoing a lumpectomy).
