pertuzumab

Definition of pertuzumab

pertuzumab (per-TOO-zoo-mab): A drug used with other drugs to treat breast cancer that is HER2 positive. It is used in patients whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body and has not already been treated with other anticancer drugs. It is also used before surgery in patients with locally advanced, inflammatory, or early-stage breast cancer and after surgery in patients with early-stage breast cancer who have a high risk that their cancer will recur (come back). It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Pertuzumab binds to a protein called HER2, which is found on some cancer cells. Blocking this protein may help kill cancer cells. Pertuzumab is a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called Perjeta.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms