Has anyone received targeted therapy without chemotherapy for early-stage HER2+ ...

My oncologist told me that insurance wouldn’t cover the herceptin treatment unless it is combined with chemo for the first 12 weeks. This is the approved treatment regimen so insurance companies follow it.

Hi Julia. I think it depends what insurance? Unfortunately many insurances have a lot of control.

I was told the same. My oncologist indicated although he believes they will ultimately stop the chemo portion, we are still years from that happening as the “standard of care.” My diagnosis was IDC, Stage 1, grade 2, triple positive. No lymph nodes.

I too was IDV stage 1 grade 2 triple positive Only in one lymphnode that how it was found still cant find tumor in breast … just started phase 3 trial of T-dxd .. phase 2 has good results

I would be very cautious and accepting any chemotherapy. The oncologist seem to be very aggressive these days. I am her positive grade to with a very tiny less than .15 millimeters. I declined chemo, and the oncologist that I saw said that was my decision and agreed with no chemo. I really don’t think radiation is necessary as it was so small, but they scare you into thinking there might be a couple cells still in there. As I only have a lump ectomy and no lymph nodes taken out. So I will do a 15 week radiation.

I also declined chemo, and asked for Herceptin and Perjeta. I had one treatment but then progressed (unfortunately.)My doctor, from Stanford, recommended that I try Kadcyla, which has Herceptin plus one chemo element. It does not have the same side effects of the Taxol regimen. (No hair loss)I had success with this treatment, and I have had no evidence of disease for 4 1/2 years. My cancer was not caught early, but was successfully treated!!!

Jan, do you take tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor?

I am Stage1A hers2 positive & hormone negative. Successful lumpectomy with negative lymph nodes & clear margins amen 🙏🏼 My tumor was less than 2cm Very early caught. I too have declined chemo (doesn’t seem like many do) but I will be doing the year of herceptin & rounds of radiation. I will begin that journey end this month as I am still healing from surgery. My thoughts are if hormone therapy is suffice for hormone positive receptors without the need for chemo than why if we now have very successful targeted therapy for hers2 + which has been proven even more effective than chemotherapy & “crucial” for those receptors why the need for chemotherapy for such early stages. I feel confident in my decision of no to chemotherapy

Sending prayers for clear margins and positive pathology results. Many patients with early-stage HER2+ breast cancer do explore different treatment approaches, and it's great that you're asking about targeted therapy options. Treatment plans can vary significantly based on individual factors, so connecting with others who've had similar decisions to make could provide valuable insights. The community here has wonderful experience to share, and hopefully some members can offer their perspectives on targeted therapy approaches. Wishing you strength as you await your results and navigate these important treatment discussions with your care team.