HER2 Positive Breast Cancer

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Summary

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 overexpression leads to aggressive tumor growth. HER2 Positive Breast Cancer is a type of carcinoma primarily found in breast tissue and accounts for approximately 15-20% of all breast cancer cases.

Symptoms

The symptoms of HER2 Positive Breast Cancer are similar to other types of breast cancer and may include:

• A lump or mass in the breast
• Swelling of all or part of the breast
• Skin irritation or dimpling
• Breast or nipple pain
• Nipple retraction (turning inward)
• Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk

Standard Treatments

1. Targeted Therapy: The primary treatment for HER2 Positive Breast Cancer involves targeted therapy using drugs that specifically attack HER2 proteins.

   • Trastuzumab (Herceptin): FDA-approved in 1998, it's a monoclonal antibody that targets the HER2 receptor.
   • Pertuzumab (Perjeta): Often used in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy.
   • Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla): A combination of trastuzumab and a chemotherapy drug, approved in 2013.

2. Chemotherapy: Often used in conjunction with targeted therapy to maximize effectiveness.

3. Surgery: Depending on the stage, options include lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and some surrounding tissue) or mastectomy (removal of the breast).

4. Radiation Therapy: Often utilized after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal therapy may be part of the treatment if the cancer is also hormone receptor-positive.

Experimental Treatments

1. Immunotherapy: Researchers are exploring the use of immunotherapy to boost the body's natural defenses to fight cancer.

2. HER2 Vaccines: Clinical trials are investigating vaccines aimed at preventing recurrence in HER2 Positive Breast Cancer patients.

3. Biosimilars: Newer treatments are being developed as biosimilars to existing HER2-targeted therapies to provide more cost-effective options.

Side Effects of Treatments

• Trastuzumab (Herceptin): Possible heart problems, infusion reactions, low white blood cell counts.
• Pertuzumab (Perjeta): Diarrhea, hair loss, neutropenia, nausea, and fatigue.
• Chemotherapy: Hair loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, increased risk of infection.
• Radiation Therapy: Skin irritation, fatigue, breast swelling, changes in breast texture.
• Immunotherapy: Flu-like symptoms, skin reactions, diarrhea, and fatigue.

Modern Advances

Recent advances have focused on targeted treatments and combination therapies to improve outcomes. The development of new targeted therapies and biosimilars continues, with ongoing clinical trials investigating innovative approaches such as HER2 vaccines and next-generation monoclonal antibodies.

The treatments and cures mentioned are based on research and approvals up to 2023, with continuous advancements being made as new clinical data becomes available.