paclitaxel + carboplatin + trastuzumab

Paclitaxel + carboplatin + trastuzumab is a combination regimen used primarily for the treatment of HER2-positive cancers, most notably breast cancer and endometrial serous carcinoma. Paclitaxel is a taxane-class small molecule chemotherapeutic that inhibits cell division by stabilizing microtubules, leading to mitotic arrest and apoptosis. Carboplatin is a platinum-containing small molecule chemotherapeutic that causes DNA crosslinking and damage, resulting in inhibition of DNA synthesis and cell death. Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), blocking downstream signaling pathways involved in tumor growth and marking cells for immune-mediated destruction. This anthracycline-free combination has demonstrated high efficacy with manageable toxicity profiles in neoadjuvant settings for HER2-positive breast cancer, as well as improved progression-free survival when compared to regimens without trastuzumab or carboplatin[1][2][4][5]. The regimen is also under investigation or use in other HER2-positive solid tumors such as endometrial serous carcinoma[3][4].

Brand names

HerceptinTaxolParaplatin

Other names

CarboTaxol + HerceptinPaclitaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab regimen