What treatment options are available for HER2-positive breast cancer?

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HER2-positive breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This protein promotes the growth of cancer cells. In HER2-positive breast cancer, the HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) gene does not function correctly and produces too many copies of itself. These extra HER2 genes result in an overabundance of proteins known as HER2 receptors on the surface of breast cells. These receptors act like ears or antennae, receiving signals that stimulate cell growth and multiplication. However, breast cancer cells with an excess of HER2 receptors can receive too many growth signals, causing them to grow and divide too rapidly and uncontrollably.

Treatment for HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer typically involves anti-HER2 therapies, also known as HER2 inhibitors or HER2-targeted therapies. These medications are used to treat all stages of HER2-positive breast cancer, including early-stage and metastatic cancers, as well as certain HER2-low breast cancers. Metastatic breast cancer refers to cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Anti-HER2 medicines work by attaching to the HER2 receptor proteins on the surface of breast cancer cells. Because these medicines specifically target HER2 receptors, they are often referred to as ‘HER2-targeted therapies.’ While there are various types of targeted therapies that target different receptors, anti-HER2 medicines specifically block the HER2 receptors from receiving growth signals in HER2-positive breast cancer. By doing so, these medicines can slow or halt the growth of HER2-positive and HER2-low breast cancer. However, it is important to note that anti-HER2 medicines only work on HER2-positive and HER2-low breast cancer and are not effective against HER2-negative breast cancer.

There are numerous medications available that target HER2 receptors in breast cancer cells. Many HER2 inhibitors are administered in combination with other treatments. Some anti-HER2 medicines, known as ‘antibody-drug conjugates,’ consist of HER2 inhibitors with additional medicines attached to them. Some of these anti-HER2 medicines are designed to deliver chemotherapy directly to HER2-positive cancer cells, thereby minimizing the toxic effects of chemotherapy on healthy cells.

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