the HER2 Positive Breast Cancer study - Cancer Science

What is HER2 Positive Breast Cancer?

HER2 positive breast cancer is a subtype of breast cancer characterized by the overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein. This protein promotes the growth of cancer cells and is found in approximately 15-20% of breast cancer cases. The HER2 gene amplification leads to a more aggressive type of breast cancer, which can grow and spread faster than HER2 negative types.

How is HER2 Positive Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) tests. IHC measures the amount of HER2 protein on the surface of cells in a breast cancer tissue sample. FISH detects the number of copies of the HER2 gene inside the cells. An IHC score of 3+ or a positive FISH result confirms a HER2 positive diagnosis.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Treatment for HER2 positive breast cancer often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), pertuzumab (Perjeta), and ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla), specifically target the HER2 protein and have significantly improved outcomes for patients. Neratinib and lapatinib are other oral medications used in certain cases.

What Is the Prognosis for HER2 Positive Breast Cancer?

With the advent of targeted therapies, the prognosis for HER2 positive breast cancer has significantly improved. Before the availability of targeted treatments, HER2 positive patients had a poorer prognosis compared to HER2 negative patients. However, now the survival rates have increased, and many patients respond well to the combination of therapies.

What Are the Side Effects of Treatment?

Side effects vary depending on the type of treatment. Common side effects of chemotherapy include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and increased risk of infection. Targeted therapies may cause specific side effects such as heart problems, diarrhea, and liver issues. It is crucial for patients to discuss potential side effects with their healthcare providers to manage and mitigate them effectively.

What Are the Ongoing Research and Future Directions?

Research is ongoing to better understand the mechanisms of HER2 positive breast cancer and to develop more effective treatments. Clinical trials are exploring new combinations of drugs, novel targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. Studies are also focusing on understanding resistance to current treatments and identifying biomarkers that can predict response to therapy.

Conclusion

HER2 positive breast cancer, once considered a more aggressive form of breast cancer, now has improved outcomes due to advancements in targeted therapies. Continuous research and clinical trials hold promise for even more effective treatments in the future. Patients diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer should consult with their healthcare providers to understand their specific condition and the best available treatment options.