ATC code: L01XC13
Pertuzumab is used in some types of HER2-postive breast cancer and thus predominately in women. Relevant analysis on sex differences is thus lacking.
Pertuzumab inhibits ligand-initiated intracellular signaling and mediates antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and is used in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy for some types of HER2-positive breast cancer [1,2].
No difference in dosing between men and women is recommended by the pharmaceutical company [1, 2].
As the indication for pertuzumab is HER2-positive breast cancer, a disease affecting mostly women, most studies include almost only women [3-5]. Thus, controlled studies with a relevant analysis of differences between men and women regarding pharmacokinetics, effects, or safety of pertuzumab are lacking.
See above.
Data is lacking but pertuzumab, like most other anti-cancer drugs, is not considered compatible with pregnancy. It is recommended that women of childbearing potential use contraceptives during and for 7 months after use of pertuzumab [1, 2]. The pharmacautical compnay reports that limited data from toxicity studies indicate that pertuzumab may affect the male reproductive system [1]. Regarding teratogenic birth defects, please consult Janusmed Drugs and Birth Defects (in Swedish, Janusmed fosterpåverkan).
Updated: 2019-07-16
Date of litterature search: 2019-05-28
Reviewed by: Karin Schenck-Gustafsson
Approved by: Karin Schenck-Gustafsson