From the Guidelines
Phesgo can cause diarrhea as a side effect, although the provided evidence does not directly mention Phesgo, it does discuss the association of targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, with diarrhea. The evidence from 1 suggests that targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, can cause diarrhea in patients. While Phesgo, which contains pertuzumab and trastuzumab, is not explicitly mentioned in the study, it is a targeted therapy that can potentially cause diarrhea.
- Key points to consider:
- Diarrhea is a common side effect of targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies.
- The study 1 highlights the association between targeted therapies and diarrhea, with some therapies having a significantly higher risk of causing diarrhea.
- Patients taking Phesgo should be aware of the potential for diarrhea and take steps to manage it, such as staying hydrated and considering a low-fiber diet.
- If severe diarrhea occurs, patients should contact their healthcare provider for guidance on management and potential adjustments to their treatment plan.
- Mechanism of action:
- Targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies like those in Phesgo, can affect the cells lining the intestines, disrupting normal digestive processes and leading to diarrhea.
- The exact mechanism of diarrhea caused by Phesgo is not well understood, but it is likely related to its effects on the intestinal cells and digestive processes.
From the Research
Phesgo and Diarrhea
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that links Phesgo to diarrhea.
- However, studies have investigated the incidence and management of diarrhea in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with pertuzumab, which is a component of Phesgo 2.
- The incidence of all-grade diarrhea in patients treated with pertuzumab-based regimens ranged from 28% to 72%, with the highest incidence observed during the first treatment cycle 2.
- Loperamide was the most commonly used pharmacological intervention for diarrhea in pertuzumab-treated patients 2.
- Other studies have explored the treatment of diarrhea in various contexts, including chemotherapy-induced diarrhea and functional bowel disorders with diarrhea 3, 4, 5, 6.
- These studies suggest that diarrhea can be a significant clinical challenge, and its management may involve a range of approaches, including pharmacological interventions, dietary changes, and gut-directed psychological therapies 3, 4, 5, 6.