Goa Medical College starts using pertuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer patients

Also Read: GMC Goa to provide free IVF treatment from September 1

This protein promotes the growth of cancer cells. In about one of every five breast cancer cases, the cancer cells have extra copies of the gene that makes the HER2 protein, he said. 

“Recognizing the evolving landscape of cancer therapeutics, the medical community at GMC has now incorporated pertuzumab, a second antibody, into the treatment regimen,” Rane told reporters.

He said GMC has been providing care to HER2-positive breast cancer patients, using the antibody trastuzumab in conjunction with chemotherapy.

He said the pertuzumab-trastuzumab fixed drug combination represents a significant advancement in cancer care. 

The drug has been introduced by Roche healthcare under the brand name Phesgo, Rane said. He said that the drug will be provided free to eligible patients at GMC, by the state govt.

The state has screened one lakh women over the past two years for breast cancer using the non-invasive and radiation-free iBreast exam, of which 52 were detected with cancer. Now, the state has set a target to scan 1.5 lakh more women over the next one and a half year.

Also Read: Goa Medical College plans to add 70 MBBS Seats, Seeks NMC Nod to Start New PG Courses