Pertuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the dimerization domain of HER2 and prevents other members of the epidermal growth factor receptor family from binding. Pertuzumab, trastuzumab and docetaxel constitute a suitable regimen for treatment-naïve patients with metastatic HER2-positive disease.
First-line therapy with pertuzumab was evaluated in the CLEOPATRA trial that found extended median of progression-free survival combined with good treatment tolerance. Pertuzumab was also successfully tested in second-line and neoadjuvant regimens.