How to Treat HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Factors Affecting Treatment
If you have HER2-positive breast cancer, your options for treatment will depend on several factors, such as the stage of cancer (early or metastatic) and the hormone receptor status of the tumor.
Common Treatment Options
One common treatment for those with HER2-positive breast cancer begins with one or more chemotherapy drugs in addition to trastuzumab, which is an anti-HER2 antibody. Research suggests that this combination improves survival rates for people with HER2-postive breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Doctor Discussion Guide
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How Common Is HER2?
It’s believed that around 15-20% of women with breast cancer have HER2-positive tumors.
Treatment Options
If a tumor is also estrogen-receptor-positive, hormonal therapy, HER2 therapy, or both may be considered. Chemotherapy may also be used for several months.
Second-Line Treatments
If a tumor has already been treated with Herceptin (trastuzumab) as adjuvant therapy and the disease comes back within six months of ending treatment with adjuvant trastuzumab, the preferred second-line treatment is usually T-DM1.
Combination Therapies
For someone with early-stage breast cancer who has already received Herceptin in the adjuvant setting but is considered to be at high risk for recurrence, Perjeta (pertuzumab) in combination with trastuzumab and a taxane may be used.
Bone-Modifying Drugs
HER2-positive breast cancer is more likely to spread to the brain and liver than HER2-negative tumors. For people with bone metastases, bone-modifying drugs such as bisphosphonates can not only reduce the risk of fractures but may improve survival as well.
Life Expectancy
Life expectancy for those with HER2-positive breast cancer depends on the stage of cancer, the age of the patient, and other variables. Generally speaking, survival rates are 90% or higher for most with HER2-positive breast cancer that’s caught early and treated with chemotherapy and an additional antibody therapy.
Integrative Treatments
Many people ask about alternative therapies when they are diagnosed with breast cancer. There are no proven "natural cures" for breast cancer and no alternative therapies have been found to effectively treat the disease. However, there are several integrative therapies for cancer that may help people cope with the symptoms of the disease and the side effects of cancer treatments.
Clinical Trials
There are clinical trials exploring surgical, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy options for breast cancer, as well as studies comparing different hormonal and HER2-targeted therapies. Some of the most recent trials have focused on pertuzumab and margetuximab, and many have been conducted around trastuzumab.
Summary
HER2-positive breast cancer, driven by an overproduction of HER2 proteins, has unique treatment options that improve outcomes. Treatments for early-stage HER2-positive cases often involve a combination of surgery, radiation, and HER2-targeted drugs, such as Herceptin and Perjeta. Chemotherapy and hormonal therapies are added as needed depending on receptor status and cancer stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the life expectancy of a HER2-positive breast cancer patient?
Life expectancy for those with HER2-positive breast cancer depends on the stage of cancer, the age of the patient, and other variables.
What are some integrative therapies for breast cancer?
Some integrative therapies for breast cancer include yoga, meditation, massage therapy, and acupuncture.
Are there clinical trials for breast cancer?
Yes, there are clinical trials exploring surgical, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy options for breast cancer.
