Are there new treatment options for HER2-positive cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with stage 1 ductal carcinoma in my left breast. The estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) tests were negative, but the HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) test was positive. My doctors recommend surgery to remove the breast. Can you explain this condition and suggest the best treatment? Are there any new options that might work for me? I am 45 and worried about my future. Can I live a long life with proper treatment? What causes this type of cancer?

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

The treatment of choice for early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) includes a combination of surgery, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy. Since your tumor is HER2-positive, surgical removal of the breast followed by HER2-targeted treatment, such as Trastuzumab, is appropriate. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with HER2-targeted treatment before or after surgery is commonly recommended and can dramatically improve survival rates.

These cancers can be sporadic or genetic. Early-onset tumors often have a genetic predisposition, so genetic testing for mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2 is advisable. If a mutation is found, targeted therapies such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors like Olaparib may also be considered. Since your tumor is localized and at stage 1, the prognosis is favorable with proper treatment.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you have any other concerns.

Thank you.