Medical Oncologist
Medicines
Tests and monitoring while you are on pertuzumab
Tests during pertuzumab treatment check that each cycle is safe, pick up side effects early and show how the cancer is responding. Blood counts are most frequent while chemotherapy is given, heart scans continue at intervals, and response checks depend on whether treatment is before surgery or for advanced cancer. This page explains, in general terms, what to expect and why.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Naresh GunduConsultant Medical Oncologist · MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine), DM (Medical Oncology, AIIMS) · last reviewed September 2026, next review due September 2027
On this page
- Which tests will you have while on pertuzumab?
- Four groups of tests
- A typical pattern of tests
- Test terms, in plain language
- Honest limits of test results
- Symptoms that matter as much as results
- Keeping track of your results
- What people assume about tests on pertuzumab
- Common questions about tests on pertuzumab
The short answer
Which tests will you have while on pertuzumab?
Tests during pertuzumab treatment have three jobs: making sure it is safe to give each cycle, spotting side effects early, and checking whether the cancer is responding. Before you start, your team confirms that the cancer is HER2-positive on the biopsy report, checks your blood counts, liver and kidney function, records a baseline heart scan and, if you could become pregnant, arranges a pregnancy test. During the months when chemotherapy is given alongside pertuzumab and trastuzumab, blood counts are usually checked before every cycle, because chemotherapy can lower white cells and platelets. Liver and kidney tests are repeated regularly, and blood sugar may be checked if steroids are part of your anti-sickness plan. Heart scans, usually echocardiograms, are repeated at set intervals, often about every three months. At each visit, nurses record your weight, blood pressure, temperature and symptoms. Once chemotherapy ends and only the antibodies continue, fewer blood tests are usually needed. How response is checked depends on your situation. When treatment is given before surgery, your doctor examines the breast and may repeat imaging before the operation. In advanced cancer, scans such as CT or PET-CT are usually repeated every few months to see whether the treatment is keeping the cancer under control. Your team tailors this schedule to you.
Safety tests before each cycle
Blood counts and a symptom check decide whether it is safe to go ahead.
Heart scans at intervals
Regular scans watch for changes in the heart's pumping strength.
Response checks
Examinations and scans show how the cancer is responding to treatment.
This page gives general information only. Your unit's test schedule may differ.The main tests
Four groups of tests
Each group answers a different question about your treatment.
Complete blood count
Measures white cells, red cells and platelets. Low counts may delay chemotherapy until they recover.
Liver and kidney tests
Show how well these organs are handling the medicines, and help guide chemotherapy doses.
Tell your team about any new medicines or supplements.Heart scans
An echocardiogram or MUGA scan before starting and at regular intervals checks pumping strength.
Response assessment
How your team checks whether treatment is working.
Common methods
- Physical examination of the breast and armpit
- Ultrasound, mammogram or MRI before surgery
- CT, bone or PET-CT scans in advanced cancer
The schedule
A typical pattern of tests
When
Tests usually done
Before starting
HER2 confirmation, blood tests, heart scan and a pregnancy test if relevant
Before each chemotherapy cycle
Blood counts, liver and kidney tests, weight and symptom review
About every three months
Repeat heart scan to check pumping strength
Antibody-only months
Fewer blood tests, with ongoing checks and heart scans
Before surgery or every few months
Imaging to assess response, depending on your situation
Words you will hear
Test terms, in plain language
- Neutrophils
- White blood cells that fight infection, often lowered by chemotherapy.
- Platelets
- Blood cells that help clotting and stop bleeding.
- Haemoglobin
- The protein in red cells that carries oxygen. Low levels cause tiredness.
- Liver function tests
- Blood tests showing how well the liver is working.
- Creatinine
- A blood test that shows how well the kidneys are clearing waste.
- Pathological complete response
- No invasive cancer left in the breast and nodes at surgery after treatment.
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Call the helpline or leave your details, and someone will help you arrange a consultation at the CION centre nearest you. One helpline serves every CION centre.
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Being straight with you
Honest limits of test results
Tests guide treatment well, but no single result tells the whole story.
Results can fluctuate
Blood counts and liver tests often rise and fall between cycles. Your team looks at the trend, not only one number.
Scans have limits
Imaging cannot always tell scar tissue from active cancer. Sometimes only surgery or further scans over time give a clear answer.
More tests are not always better
Extra scans without a clear reason can cause worry, radiation exposure and false alarms without helping your care.
What this page cannot tell you
It cannot interpret your own reports. Ask your oncologist to explain what your results mean for your treatment.
Between tests
Symptoms that matter as much as results
Tests happen at fixed times, but side effects do not wait for appointments. What you notice at home helps your team act quickly.
Signs of infection
A fever of thirty-eight degrees or above, shivering or feeling suddenly unwell needs urgent contact, especially in the week or so after chemotherapy.
Signs of bleeding or low counts
Unusual bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums or severe tiredness should be reported, as a blood test may be needed.
Heart and bowel symptoms
Breathlessness, swollen ankles, a racing heartbeat, or diarrhoea that does not settle should be reported the same day.
Staying organised
Keeping track of your results
A simple system for your reports saves time, especially if you see more than one hospital or laboratory.
Keep a treatment file
Store your biopsy report, blood tests, heart scans and imaging reports in date order, in a folder or as photographs on your phone.
Note your symptoms
A short diary of side effects, temperatures and medicines taken helps your team understand what happened between visits.
Ask questions
It is reasonable to ask what each test is for, what the result showed and whether anything needs to change.
Commonly believed
What people assume about tests on pertuzumab
A tumour marker blood test shows if treatment is working.
Markers are not reliable enough on their own. Examination and scans are the main guides.
Low blood counts mean the treatment has failed.
Low counts are an expected chemotherapy effect and usually recover between cycles.
I need a scan after every cycle.
Response scans are spaced out, because frequent scans rarely change decisions.
Heart scans stop once chemotherapy ends.
They usually continue for as long as you receive the antibodies.
Questions we are asked
Common questions about tests on pertuzumab
Do I need a blood test before every pertuzumab dose?
While chemotherapy is part of the plan, blood counts are usually checked before each cycle. When only pertuzumab and trastuzumab continue, blood tests are often needed less frequently, because the antibodies rarely lower blood counts on their own. Your team will tell you how often your unit checks.
What happens if my white cell count is low?
Your chemotherapy may be delayed for a few days or a week until counts recover, or a growth factor injection may be added to help white cells recover faster. The antibodies can sometimes still be given. Your team makes this decision based on your result and how you are feeling.
Why is a pregnancy test needed?
Pertuzumab and trastuzumab can harm an unborn baby, so pregnancy must be ruled out before starting in anyone who could become pregnant. Effective contraception is then needed during treatment and for several months afterwards. If you think you may be pregnant, tell your team straight away.
How will I know if treatment before surgery is working?
Your doctor examines the breast and armpit during treatment, and imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be repeated before surgery. The clearest answer comes from the tissue removed at surgery, which shows whether any cancer remains. That result also guides treatment afterwards.
How often are scans done in advanced cancer?
Scans are commonly repeated every few months, and sooner if you develop new symptoms. The type of scan depends on where the cancer has spread. If scans show the cancer is stable or shrinking, treatment usually continues. If it grows, your team will discuss other options.
Can I have my blood tests at a local laboratory?
Often yes, if your treatment team agrees and the results reach them in time. Using an accredited laboratory and bringing clear copies of reports helps. Some units prefer their own laboratory before chemotherapy cycles so results are consistent and available on the day.
Are tumour marker tests used?
Some doctors check markers such as CA fifteen-three in advanced cancer as an extra guide, but they are not reliable enough alone and are not routinely used in early breast cancer. A changing marker is usually followed up with a scan rather than acted on by itself.
Will I need tests after treatment finishes?
Yes. After early breast cancer treatment, follow-up usually includes regular clinic visits and yearly mammograms, with other tests only if symptoms suggest a need. Your team may also advise heart checks if you had anthracycline chemotherapy or a drop in heart function during treatment.
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Speak to a breast cancer specialist
Call the helpline or leave your details, and someone will help you arrange a consultation at the CION centre nearest you. One helpline serves every CION centre.
Call 1800 202 8726
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Sources
- Cancer Research UK — Pertuzumab (Perjeta)
- MedlinePlus — Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- European Medicines Agency — Perjeta: product information
This page is general information, not a prescription. Do not change or stop any treatment based on what you read here. If anything is worrying you, contact your own treating team — or call our helpline and we will help you reach the right specialist.