Could The Vaccine Cause Any Changes The Herceptin Made?

Posted on Wed, 29 Jan 2025

Question: I am considering getting the Covid 19 vaccine, my concern is 20 years ago I have breast cancer and was giving Herceptin in a protocal to stop it. Could the vaccine cause any changes the Herceptin made? I don't want to risk having the cancer start up again.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No this worry in unfounded

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query. I understand your concerns.

However, covid vaccine is not known to flare up any cancer and hence I don't think you should worry on that front. And breast cancer which has not relapsed in 20 years is considered cured.

So I think you should go ahead with the vaccine.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (22 hours later)

My concern was more related to the Herceptin I was on research protocol 20 years ago had herceptin monthly for a year. herceptin is an antibody that turned off the cancer cells or stopped them from duplicating. My concern is could the vaccine cause them to start up again or counter act the herceptin.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Herceptin helps kill cancer cells

Detailed Answer:
It's not just turning off cancer cells. After 20 years we can certainly say that cells are not there any more.

Moreover, covid vaccine has been shown to be safe in even those with active cancer.

So there's nothing to worry.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad