Trastuzumab and pertuzumab have the potential to cause decline in which organ function?

• A. Cardiac function
• B. Renal function
• C. Hepatic function
• D. Neurological function

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is the cardiotoxic risk associated with HER2-targeted therapies. Trastuzumab and pertuzumab can cause a decline in cardiac function by disrupting HER2 signaling in heart muscle cells, which helps the heart cope with stress. This risk is higher when patients have prior exposure to anthracyclines or preexisting heart conditions. Clinically, you monitor left ventricular function with echocardiography or another imaging method at baseline and at regular intervals during therapy.

If the cardiac function index drops significantly from baseline or falls below the normal range, the clinician may pause treatment and manage the heart failure as needed; in many cases, function improves after stopping the drug. Other organ toxicities like kidney, liver, or nerve effects are not the primary concerns with these agents, making cardiac function decline the most relevant risk to watch for.