How often is LVEF recommended to be monitored during therapy with trastuzumab alone?

Monitoring left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is crucial when patients are undergoing treatment with trastuzumab, as the medication can have cardiotoxic effects. The recommendation to monitor LVEF every 3 months during therapy with trastuzumab reflects the need for ongoing assessment of cardiac function while balancing the risk of developing heart-related complications.

Trastuzumab is often used in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, and there is a documented risk of heart failure associated with its use, particularly when given alongside other cardiotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. Monitoring LVEF on a regular basis allows healthcare providers to detect any decline in cardiac function early, enabling timely interventions if necessary.

The frequency of every 3 months is aligned with guidelines from organizations such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), indicating that this interval promotes a proactive approach to patient safety while allowing enough time to assess changes in cardiac health without being excessively frequent or burdensome.