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Read MoreUnderstanding HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Key Takeaways
- About 20% of breast cancers are HER2-positive, caused by amplification of the HER2 gene that produces excessive growth-promoting proteins on cancer cell surfaces.
- Diagnostic testing requires either immunohistochemistry (IHC) scoring of 3+ or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showing gene amplification ratio ≥2.0.
- Five-year survival rates have improved from 20% in the 1980s to over 90% today, primarily due to targeted anti-HER2 therapies introduced in 1998.
- Standard treatment combines trastuzumab (Herceptin) with chemotherapy for one year, though newer agents like pertuzumab and T-DM1 offer additional options for advanced cases.
- Cardiac monitoring is essential during treatment since trastuzumab can cause heart function decline in 2-7% of patients, particularly when combined with anthracycline chemotherapy.
HER2-positive breast cancer is a type of breast cancer where the cancer cells have too many HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) proteins on their surface. In normal cells, HER2 helps control cell growth and repair. However, when there are too many HER2 proteins, the cells can grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to the development of aggressive breast cancer.
Symptoms of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
The most common symptom of HER2-positive breast cancer is a lump in the breast that feels different from the surrounding area. Other symptoms may include:
Breast swelling
Change in breast shape
Skin irritation or dimpling
Pain in the breast or nipple
Redness or thickness of the nipple or breast skin
Discharge from the nipple (not breast milk)
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact causes of HER2-positive breast cancer are unknown, but experts believe it may be a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. It's important to note that you cannot inherit or pass on a faulty HER2 gene to your children.
Diagnosing HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor will perform tests to determine if it is HER2-positive. These tests may include:
IHC (Immunohistochemistry) test
FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) test
Inform Dual ISH (In Situ Hybridization) test
Treatment Options for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer typically involves a combination of therapies, including:
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies are drugs that specifically target the HER2 protein to stop cancer cells from growing. These medications include trastuzumab (Herceptin), pertuzumab (Perjeta), and ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla).
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor, after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells, or as a treatment for cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Surgery
Surgery is often the first line of treatment for early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer. Options include lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and some surrounding tissue) or mastectomy (removal of the entire breast).
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may be used after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence or to treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Hormone Therapy
If the cancer is also hormone receptor-positive, hormone therapy drugs may be used to block estrogen from attaching to cancer cells or to lower estrogen levels in the body.
Your doctor will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific case. It's essential to take care of yourself during treatment by seeking support, listening to your body, staying nourished, and communicating with your healthcare team.
Outlook and Survival Rates
The outlook for HER2-positive breast cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer and the individual's response to treatment. However, with the advent of targeted therapies, survival rates have improved significantly in recent years. According to the American Cancer Society, the overall 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 90%, and the 10-year relative survival rate is 84%.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. There are numerous support groups and resources available to help you and your loved ones cope with the emotional and practical aspects of living with HER2-positive breast cancer. Don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team, family, friends, or a professional counselor for the support you need.
For more information on HER2-positive breast cancer, visit:
The Bottom Line
This aggressive cancer type now has excellent outcomes when properly identified through specialized testing and treated with targeted therapies combined with traditional approaches. Early detection remains crucial since symptoms often mirror other breast conditions. If you're experiencing breast changes or need clarity about concerning symptoms, Doctronic can help you understand your next steps quickly.
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