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Anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody (dimerisation inhibitor)

Pertuzumab (Specialist drug)

Brand names: Perjeta

Pertuzumab is a monoclonal antibody given by intravenous infusion, used with trastuzumab and chemotherapy in HER2-positive breast cancer.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It binds the HER2 dimerisation domain, preventing HER2-HER3 pairing and complementing trastuzumab to more completely block HER2 signalling.

Prescribing in practice

  • It can cause a decline in left ventricular ejection fraction and symptomatic heart failure, so cardiac function must be assessed before and during treatment and the drug withheld for significant falls.
  • Use is confined to tumours confirmed HER2-positive by validated testing, in combination with trastuzumab.
  • Infusion-related and hypersensitivity reactions can occur, requiring observation after dosing.

Monitoring

Monitor left ventricular ejection fraction at baseline and at intervals during treatment, and observe for infusion reactions.

Counselling the patient

  • Report breathlessness, ankle swelling, or palpitations, which may indicate a heart problem.
  • This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby; use effective contraception and avoid pregnancy during and after treatment.
  • Infusion reactions are possible, so you will be monitored during and after each dose.

Evidence & guidelines

The CLEOPATRA trial demonstrated improved survival when pertuzumab is added to trastuzumab and docetaxel in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Reference: NICE TA424/TA569; SmPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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