HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Treatment | Alleviare

 

Breast cancer is a common type of cancer that affects both men and women. One subtype of breast cancer is HER2-positive breast cancer, which occurs when the cancer cells have an overexpression of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). HER2-positive breast cancer is more aggressive than other types of breast cancer, but there are effective treatment options available.

Treatment for HER2-positive Breast Cancer

It usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Here are some of the main treatment options for HER2-positive breast cancer:

Surgery: The main goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue from the breast. The surgery can be a lumpectomy, which involves removing only the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue, or a mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove. It can also be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is usually used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells that may be present in the breast tissue.

Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that targets specific molecules in cancer cells. In the case of HER2-positive breast cancer, targeted therapy drugs such as trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) are used to target the HER2 protein and prevent it from promoting the growth of cancer cells.

Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) is a medication that is used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. It is specifically used in patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received prior treatment with other anti-HER2 therapies.

In addition to these main treatment options, there are also other treatments that may be used for HER2-positive breast cancer, such as hormone therapy and immunotherapy.

It is important to note that the treatment plan for HER2-positive breast cancer can vary depending on the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and other factors. Patients should discuss their individual treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for their specific situation.

In conclusion, HER2-positive breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that requires a comprehensive treatment plan. While it may be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer, there are effective treatment options available, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. With early detection and proper treatment, many people with HER2-positive breast cancer are able to achieve remission and lead healthy, active lives.