Empowered woman self-administering cancer treatment at home.

Empowering Patients: The Rise of Self-Administered Cancer Treatment

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Exploring the benefits and possibilities of subcutaneous trastuzumab auto-administration for breast cancer patients."

Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody, is a cornerstone in treating HER2-positive breast cancers, whether alone or alongside chemotherapy. Since its initial intravenous form in 2001 and the subsequent subcutaneous version in 2014, trastuzumab has significantly improved outcomes. Now, a groundbreaking approach is emerging: self-administration of subcutaneous trastuzumab, empowering patients and reshaping treatment paradigms.

The subcutaneous formulation offers several advantages, including a fixed dose of 600mg in 5ml volumes administered in just 5 minutes, eliminating the need for loading doses or weight-based calculations. This streamlined approach simplifies the treatment process, reduces preparation time, and eases the burden on nursing staff by removing the need to manipulate implantable chambers.

While both subcutaneous and intravenous trastuzumab are available as hospital drugs for outpatients in some regions, self-administration has been limited due to its classification as chemotherapy, typically requiring administration in 'home hospitalization' settings. However, given trastuzumab's favorable toxicity profile and the absence of chemotherapy-related side effects, a new approach is warranted. This article explores the potential of self-administered trastuzumab, drawing on a real-world case study to highlight its safety, efficacy, and positive impact on patients' lives.

The Case for Self-Administration: A Patient's Journey

Empowered woman self-administering cancer treatment at home.

In 2016, a French patient undergoing adjuvant trastuzumab treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer at our institute sought to continue her treatment while returning to her family in Africa. Faced with the unavailability of trastuzumab in her home country, she obtained it through direct purchase. This situation led to an innovative solution: a therapeutic education program enabling the patient to self-administer the subcutaneous injections.

This unusual request was carefully considered and validated by doctors, pharmacists, and institute management. The patient then underwent a comprehensive step-by-step training program to ensure safe and effective self-administration. This program was crucial, as trastuzumab SC had never been prescribed as a self-administered injection before.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration: The program's development involved oncologists, hospital pharmacists, nurses, and financiers, ensuring a comprehensive and safe approach.
Comprehensive Training: The patient received thorough theoretical and practical training, including the importance of storage, preparation, and potential side effects.
Practical Guidance: A senior nurse demonstrated proper administration techniques, alternative injection sites, and the two-step injection process to minimize discomfort.
Supervised Practice: The patient prepared and administered the injections under the nurse's supervision, building confidence and autonomy.
Ongoing Support: The pharmacy dispensed all six injections, and the pharmacist maintained regular contact with the patient via email to monitor tolerance and address any concerns.

The patient reported no preparation or storage issues and consistently self-administered the injections. The only noted side effect was fatigue on the day of injection, which was reported to the regional pharmacovigilance center. Notably, the patient found that self-administration transformed her perception of the disease, making it feel less present and less severe. The non-medical environment provided a psychological escape, contrasting with the anxiety associated with hospital visits.

Reimagining Cancer Care: A Future of Patient-Centric Treatment

This case report underscores the feasibility, safety, and potential benefits of self-administered trastuzumab injections. By empowering patients to take control of their treatment, we can reduce the burden on healthcare systems, improve patient satisfaction, and enhance their overall quality of life.

While not all patients may be suitable candidates for self-administration due to technical abilities or personal preferences, the option should be available for those who desire it. This approach can also alleviate overcrowding in hospitals and offer a cost-effective alternative to conventional or home hospitalization.

Based on the positive outcomes and patient experience, it is time to re-evaluate the regulations surrounding trastuzumab SC availability. By relaxing these restrictions and embracing therapeutic education programs, we can pave the way for a more patient-centric and innovative approach to cancer care, placing individuals at the heart of their treatment journey. As healthcare evolves, it's crucial to rethink conventional treatment models and empower patients through education and self-management.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/1078155218792364, Alternate LINK

Title: Subcutaneous Auto-Administration Of Trastuzumab Following Therapeutic Education: A Case Report

Subject: Pharmacology (medical)

Journal: Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Marine Deppenweiler, Marc Debled, Jean-Luc Robquin, Barbara Lortal-Canguilhem

Published: 2018-08-20

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Trastuzumab and what role does it play in treating breast cancer?

Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody, a type of targeted therapy, specifically designed to treat HER2-positive breast cancers. It works by targeting the HER2 protein, which is overexpressed in some breast cancer cells, inhibiting their growth and spread. The article highlights how Trastuzumab has improved patient outcomes. It is available in intravenous and subcutaneous forms, with self-administration emerging as a new approach.

Why is self-administered subcutaneous Trastuzumab considered so important or significant in the context of breast cancer treatment?

Self-administered subcutaneous Trastuzumab is significant because it empowers patients, offering them greater control over their treatment and potentially improving their quality of life. This approach reduces the need for frequent hospital visits, which can be burdensome and anxiety-inducing. The case study of a patient self-administering Trastuzumab while living in Africa underscores the feasibility and potential for expanding treatment options beyond traditional hospital settings. This also allows patients to maintain a sense of normalcy in their daily lives.

What are the practical advantages of self-administering subcutaneous Trastuzumab for patients?

The advantages of self-administering subcutaneous Trastuzumab include convenience, time savings, and reduced burden on healthcare staff. The subcutaneous formulation requires a fixed dose of 600mg in a 5ml volume, administered in about 5 minutes, which simplifies the process. The training program described involves multidisciplinary collaboration. This ensures a safe and effective approach to prepare patients for self-administration. The training covers storage, preparation, potential side effects, and proper administration techniques.

What are the broader implications of self-administered Trastuzumab for cancer care?

The implications of self-administered Trastuzumab extend beyond the individual patient. It represents a shift toward patient-centric care. This approach reduces the strain on healthcare systems by decreasing the demand for outpatient services. Furthermore, by improving patient satisfaction and overall quality of life, self-administration can positively influence the perception of cancer treatment. This can promote a sense of autonomy and control over their health.

What does the training program for self-administering Trastuzumab entail?

The training program encompasses multidisciplinary collaboration including oncologists, pharmacists, and nurses. It's crucial for ensuring safe and effective self-administration of Trastuzumab. The program includes comprehensive theoretical and practical training, including the importance of storage, preparation, and potential side effects. The program also provides supervised practice to ensure that the patient can administer the injections confidently. Ongoing support from the pharmacy is also a key part of this program to monitor tolerance and address any concerns.