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Is it okay to give Tukysa for advanced breast cancer?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My mother is currently undergoing treatment for advanced breast cancer, and her oncologist has mentioned Tukysa as a potential addition to her regimen.

Can you explain how Tukysa differs from other medications for advanced breast cancer and what factors contribute to its suitability for individuals in her situation?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sukhdev Garg

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sukhdev Garg is an experienced Anesthesiologist and General Practitioner with a broad skill set in perioperative care, pain management, and general medical practice. He is skilled in administering various types of anesthesia for surgical procedures, monitoring patient vitals during operations, and ensuring safe recovery. As a general practitioner, he also provides primary healthcare services, manages common medical conditions, and offers preventive care and health education.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Tukysa (Tucatinib) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of HER2 (a protein that causes cancer to grow fast). In vitro, Tucatinib inhibits phosphorylation of HER2 and HER3, resulting in inhibition of downstream MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and AKT (protein kinase B) signaling and cell proliferation, and shows anti-tumor activity in HER2-expressing tumor cells.

Tuksya is a smaller molecule than Trastuzumab, so it can target the part of HER2 on the inside of cancer cells. In this way, TUKYSA and Trastuzumab work together to completely block the HER2 activity that promotes the growth of cancer.

In a concise form, it disrupts the internal signaling pathway of the tumor cells and prevents tumor cell proliferation. Every medication has its own mechanism of action, and depending on the tumor type and synergistic mechanisms of medicines, these are advised as part of treatment.

Most of these medications are standard treatment for neoplasms, and a standard regimen is followed almost all over the world. So I would suggest trusting your mother's treatment and instilling the same in her.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At March 10, 2024
Reviewed At May 27, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sukhdev Garg is an experienced Anesthesiologist and General Practitioner with a broad skill set in perioperative care, pain management, and general medical practice. He is skilled in administering various types of anesthesia for surgical procedures, monitoring patient vitals during operations, and ensuring safe recovery. As a general practitioner, he also provides primary healthcare services, manages common medical conditions, and offers preventive care and health education.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sukhdev Garg is an experienced Anesthesiologist and General Practitioner with a broad skill set in perioperative care, pain management, and general medical practice. He is skilled in administering various types of anesthesia for surgical procedures, monitoring patient vitals during operations, and ensuring safe recovery. As a general practitioner, he also provides primary healthcare services, manages common medical conditions, and offers preventive care and health education.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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