Herceptin (Trastuzumab) Therapy During Pregnancy: Association With Reversible Anhydramnios

In Brief BACKGROUND: Herceptin (trastuzumab), a new a chemotherapeutic agent, is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 protein. There is no reported experience with use of this agent during pregnancy and possible effects on the fetus. CASE: A patient with breast cancer was treated with Herceptin during pregnancy. This treatment was associated with anhydramnios, which resolved slowly after the drug was discontinued. CONCLUSION: Although listed as a category B drug, experience with Herceptin in human pregnancy is limited, and it should be used with caution. Investigation of the role of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 protein in the embryonic kidney may further our understanding of amniotic fluid dynamics. Herceptin (trastuzumab), a chemotherapeutic agent that blocks the human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 protein, may cause severe oligohydramnios if used during pregnancy.