Is immunotherapy effective for my stage 2 breast cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was just diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, and I am terrified. My mother died of ovarian cancer at 55 years of age, my aunt had breast cancer at 48 years, and my oncologist mentioned genetic testing.

What is cancer genome testing?
What is the difference between germline testing and tumor testing?
What are BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations?
If I have a BRCA mutation, does it change my treatment?
What is targeted therapy?
Am I a candidate for immunotherapy?
What is tumor genomic testing?
Should I consider clinical trials?
If I have a BRCA mutation, what is my risk of getting cancer again?
Should I have my ovaries removed preventively?
What are my daughters’ risks if I test positive?
Should my family get tested?
Is this testing covered by insurance?
What is genetic counseling?
Will genetic testing affect my life insurance?
What if I test negative?
What other genes are tested besides BRCA1 and BRCA2?
How accurate is genetic testing?
Should I definitely go ahead with this testing?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

I am really sorry for your diagnosis, and I completely understand the fear and anxiety you are feeling now. I want to reassure you that your cancer is in an early stage, so we can control the disease well and prevent recurrence.

About genetic tests, we examine the tumor cells it self to detect how aggressive it is. This is what is called Oncotype DX, by which we consider whether chemotherapy is needed or not, using your DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) to detect the genetic risk, which is BRCA1.
We need to go for hormonal therapy alone, according to your hormonal receptors.
If you are positive, we consider immunotherapy in the late stage of the disease

There is no need to go for immunotherapy at the early stage. If you test positive for BRCA, there are many preventive strategies for you, like active surveillance with MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) every year. Surgical risk reduction includes bilateral mastectomy and oophorectomy. Preventive treatment also includes using Tamoxifen, which prevents recurrence of breast cancer, but not ovarian cancer.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.