This targeted

therapy is significant because women diagnosed with HER2 positive breast

cancer have a greater likelihood of recurrence, poorer prognosis and disease

that is not as responsive to standard therapies, including certain chemotherapy

regimens.

Herceptin is

the first therapy approved by the FDA to target a specific genetic defect

in patients with metastatic breast cancer, whose tumors overexpress a

certain protein called HER2. The drug works by targeting the function

of the HER2 protein that drives the cancer's growth.

Treatment with

Herceptin in this patient population has been shown clinically to significantly

increase patient survival time by 24 percent. Results from Herceptin therapy

may be different for each individual and patients should consult their

physicians regarding treatment with Herceptin.

"Herceptin

is the first FDA-approved targeted selective therapy for HER2 positive

breast cancer and one of the few therapies that has demonstrated an increase

in overall survival in metastatic breast cancer," said Gwen Fyfe,

M.D., Genentech's senior director of Oncology, Medical Affairs. "When

receiving an initial weekly treatment regimen of Herceptin and chemotherapy

until disease progression, women with HER2 positive metastatic breast

cancer may have a better chance for increased survival."

Now many similar

other therapies are in development. New approaches to treatment are important

because breast cancer kills approximately 40,000 women every year and

is the second most common form of cancer in women (after skin cancer).

In fact, the disease is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause

of cancer deaths among women.

Adverse events

with Herceptin generally are mild to moderate, most commonly consisting

of chills and/or fever, and most often are associated with the first infusion.

However, instances of severe infusion-related reactions, cardiac dysfunction,

severe hypersensitivity reactions and pulmonary events have occurred.

For additional safety information see www.herceptin.com . For full

prescribing information, call 650-225-7739.

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