trastuzumab + pertuzumab (Genentech)

Trastuzumab + pertuzumab is a combination of two humanized monoclonal antibodies that target the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Pertuzumab acts as a HER2 dimerization inhibitor, binding to the extracellular domain II of HER2 and blocking its ability to pair with other HER family members (HER1, HER3, and HER4), which is a key step in oncogenic signaling. Trastuzumab binds to the extracellular domain IV of HER2, inhibiting ligand-independent signaling and recruiting immune cells to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). This dual blockade provides a more comprehensive inhibition of the HER2 pathway than either agent alone. In the clinical trial "Early Identification and Treatment of Occult Metastatic Disease in Stage III Colon Cancer" (NCT05220735) sponsored by Massachusetts General Hospital, this combination is being evaluated as a Phase 3 adjuvant therapy for patients with resected Stage III colon cancer who are identified as having HER2-amplified disease via circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing.

Brand names

PerjetaHerceptin

Other names

Pertuzumab and TrastuzumabHER2-targeted therapyHER-2-targeted therapyHER 2-targeted therapy