There are specific drugs able to attack specific abnormalities within breast cancer cells:
Trastuzumab (Herceptin)
Some breast cancers have too much human growth factor 2 (HER2). This drug targets this protein that aids in the growth and survival of breast cancer cells.
Possible Side Effects
- Heart damage
- Headaches
- Skin rashes
Lapatinib (Tykerb)
This drug is used for women with advanced metastatic breast cancer who already have tried trastuzumab but yet the cancer still progressed.
Possible Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Mouth sores
- Skin rashes
- Painful hands and feet
Bevacizumab (Avastin)
In certain situations this drug can be recommended, it stops cancer cells from attracting new blood vessels to the cancer cell, which bring oxygen and nutrients to the tumor. This results in cancer cell death.
Possible Side Effects
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Mouth sores
- Skin rashes
- Painful hands and feet