{"product_id":"her-2-making-of-herceptin-0812991842","title":"Her-2: The Making of Herceptin, a Revolutionary Treatment for Breast Cancer","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhat Is HER2-Positive Breast Cancer?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is a protein that promotes cell growth. In about 20% of breast cancers, the HER2 gene is amplified, leading to overproduction of the protein and aggressive tumour growth. Before targeted therapies, this subtype had a poor prognosis. Herceptin works by binding to the HER2 receptor, blocking growth signals and marking cancer cells for immune destruction. The book provides a clear explanation of this biology, making it accessible to non-scientists.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBook Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHer-2: The Making of Herceptin, a Revolutionary Treatment for Breast Cancer is a gripping narrative of how a scientific discovery transformed the fight against one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. Robert Bazell, a veteran NBC News correspondent, spent years investigating the story behind Herceptin (trastuzumab), from its initial laboratory conception to its eventual FDA approval and widespread clinical use. The book delves into the intricate biology of the HER2 gene, the pressures of the pharmaceutical industry, and the unwavering determination of patients who demanded better treatments. Bazell’s narrative highlights the collaboration between researchers at UCLA and the biotechnology company Genentech, as well as the critical role of clinical trials in establishing safety and efficacy. This book is both a scientific detective story and a human drama, offering readers a front-row seat to a pivotal moment in cancer history.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho Should Read This Book?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis book is ideal for breast cancer patients and survivors seeking to understand the science behind their treatment. Caregivers and family members will gain insight into the complexities of drug development. Healthcare professionals, including oncologists and researchers, will appreciate the detailed account of clinical trials and regulatory hurdles. Science enthusiasts and readers interested in the history of medicine will find a compelling narrative about innovation. Anyone curious about how a targeted therapy evolves from a laboratory concept to a standard of care will be captivated.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Takeaways\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnderstanding HER2:\u003c\/strong\u003e Learn about the HER2 gene and its role in aggressive breast cancer, and why targeting it is effective.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Birth of Herceptin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Discover the collaborative research between academia and biotech that produced this monoclonal antibody.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClinical Trial Milestones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Follow the pivotal trials that demonstrated Herceptin's efficacy and led to FDA approval in 1998.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePatient Advocacy:\u003c\/strong\u003e See how grassroots activism by women with breast cancer pushed for early access and accelerated research.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Politics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Explore the challenges of patent disputes, corporate mergers, and regulatory decisions that shaped Herceptin's path.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImpact on Oncology:\u003c\/strong\u003e Understand how Herceptin paved the way for personalized medicine and targeted therapies in cancer treatment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow Did Herceptin Change Breast Cancer Treatment?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBefore Herceptin, treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer was limited to chemotherapy, which had modest efficacy. Herceptin specifically blocked the HER2 receptor, halting cancer cell growth. Its approval marked a paradigm shift: the first targeted therapy for a solid tumour based on a genetic marker. Today, Herceptin remains a cornerstone of treatment, often combined with chemotherapy and other agents. The book explains the science behind this revolution and its lasting impact on breast cancer survival rates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Read a Book About Drug Development?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnderstanding the path a drug takes from bench to bedside demystifies the process of medical innovation. Her-2 reveals the challenges of funding, regulation, and advocacy that shape which treatments reach patients. For anyone affected by breast cancer, this knowledge empowers informed conversations with healthcare providers. For students and professionals, it exemplifies translational research at its best. The book also raises important questions about access and affordability that remain relevant today.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes This Book on Herceptin Essential Reading?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnlike many medical histories, Her-2 reads like a thriller. Robert Bazell translates complex immunology into accessible prose without oversimplifying. He details the discoveries of Dr. Dennis Slamon and Dr. Axel Ullrich, the founding of Genentech, and the race to bring Herceptin to market. The book also addresses the ethical dimensions of clinical trials and the high cost of cancer drugs, offering a balanced perspective on breakthrough therapies. It is a rare combination of scientific rigour and human empathy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis book is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical guidance.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Random House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48338731892974,"sku":null,"price":60.64,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0816\/1158\/7822\/files\/51TxrJHARML._SL1200.jpg?v=1784306076","url":"https:\/\/vitamin4ca.com\/products\/her-2-making-of-herceptin-0812991842","provider":"vitamin4ca","version":"1.0","type":"link"}