HER-2 Negative Breast Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis

HER-2 Negative Breast Cancer


Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. There are different types of breast cancer based on characteristics of the cancer cells. HER2− breast cancer accounts for around 65-70% of all breast cancer cases. In this type of breast cancer, the cancer cells do not overexpress the HER-2 protein which helps in dividing and growing cancer cells rapidly. Knowing the HER-2 status helps determine the best treatment plan and predict prognosis. This article discusses the key aspects of HER2− breast cancer.


Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancers are broadly classified into three main types based on the presence of receptors on the cancer cells - hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive, and triple-negative. HER2− breast cancer can be either hormone receptor-positive or triple-negative.

Hormone receptor-positive HER2− breast cancer
Around 50-60% of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive and do not overexpress the HER-2 protein. This means the cancer grows in response to the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone. Treatment involves medications that block the effects of hormones or lower their levels in the body. Common medication options include tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists, and ovarian ablation. Chemotherapy may also be recommended depending on the risk level.

Triple-negative HER-2 negative breast cancer
Around 10-20% of breast cancers are triple-negative meaning they lack estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and do not overexpress HER-2. These cancers tend to be more aggressive and have poorer prognosis than other types. The treatment approach relies on chemotherapy as these cancers do not respond to hormones or HER-2 targeted therapies. Newer immunotherapies are also being studied.

Prognosis
The prognosis or outlook of HER2− breast cancer depends on factors like tumor size, lymph node involvement, and tumor grade. In general, hormone receptor-positive cancers have a better prognosis than triple-negative cancers. Some key points about prognosis:

- Hormone receptor-positive cancers - Her-2 Negative Breast Cancer With proper treatment including hormonal therapy, the 5-year survival rate is over 80%.

- Triple-negative cancers - The 5-year survival rate is lower at around 75-80% if the cancer has not spread. It drops to below 30% if it has spread to other parts of the body.

- Lymph node involvement - At least 3 positive lymph nodes indicates a less favorable prognosis regardless of other factors.

- Tumor size - Larger tumor size of more than 2 cm is associated with worse prognosis.

- Histological grade - Higher grade tumors with abnormal cells tend to have poorer outcomes.

- Gene expression profiles - Recent tests examining multiple genes can better predict risk of recurrence and help guide treatment decisions.

Treatment and Management
The main treatment approaches for HER2− breast cancer depend on whether it is hormone receptor-positive or triple-negative.

For hormone receptor-positive cancers:
- Surgery to remove the tumor (lumpectomy or mastectomy)
- Radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery
- Medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors as hormonal therapy for 5-10 years
- Chemotherapy may be recommended for higher-risk cases
- Regular follow-ups and testing to check for recurrence

For triple-negative cancers:
- Surgery to remove the tumor
- Chemotherapy both before and after surgery
- Radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery
- Consider newer immunotherapy drugs if cancer has spread
- Close monitoring for recurrence due to aggressive nature
- Clinical trials exploring targeted therapies

The goal is complete removal of the cancer with proper adjuvant treatment to lower the risk of recurrence. Lifelong follow-ups involving regular exams and scans are necessary to diagnose any relapse at an early stage. Supportive therapies help manage side effects and improve quality of life. Ongoing research continues to enhance outcomes.

Get more insights on – Her-2 Negative Breast Cancer

About Author:

Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Power Management ICs - Enabling Next Generation Power Efficient Electronics

Image
  Power Management ICs The modern consumer electronics market demands smaller, lighter and more powerful devices that can run for longer periods of time without needing to recharge. To meet these growing demands, semiconductor technology is constantly evolving to deliver more efficient power management solutions. Power management ICs play a crucial role in enabling these power-efficient designs and are helping push the boundaries of what is possible. What are Power Management ICs? A power management integrated circuit or PMIC is a specialized integrated circuit that manages power requirements and distribution in electronic devices. PMICs perform essential functions like power sequencing, voltage regulation, battery charging and power monitoring. They help take unstable power inputs from sources like batteries or wall adapters and deliver clean, regulated power to various components inside a device. Some key functions performed by PMICs include: Voltage Regulation: PMICs contain vol
Read more

Colposcope: A Valuable Tool for Women's Health

Image
  Colposcope A colposcope is a medical diagnostic device that is used to examine the cervix and vagina. When used with acetic acid and iodine, a colposcope allows doctors to detect abnormalities and precancerous lesions that are not visible to the naked eye. In this article, we will explore what a colposcope is, how it works, and its importance in women's healthcare. What is a Colposcope? A colposcope is an optical instrument that is used for an examination called a colposcopy. It consists of a binocular microscope with a bright light source and low-power magnification lenses, usually between 4-40X. The colposcope magnifies the view of the vagina and cervix, allowing physicians to thoroughly inspect these areas for any signs of abnormality, such as inflammation, infection, or precancerous and cancerous lesions. How Does a Colposcope Work? During a colposcopic examination, acetic acid or iodine is first applied to the cervix and vaginal walls. These compounds temporarily clarify
Read more

Blood Based Biomarker: The Future of Non-Invasive Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Image
Blood Based Biomarker: A biomarker is a measurable substance in the body that can indicate the presence of a specific disease or condition. Over the years, various biomarkers have been identified for many diseases through extensive research. However, most traditional biomarkers require an invasive procedure like tissue biopsy to measure. This poses challenges and limitations for wide clinical use. The Rise of Blood Based Biomarker In recent years, researchers have begun exploring Blood Based Biomarkers that can be measured through a simple blood draw. Blood carries molecules and cells from throughout the body that can provide clues about health conditions. The development of highly sensitive technologies like proteomics, metabolomics and next-generation sequencing has enabled detection of subtle changes in the blood that correlate with disease. Some key advantages of blood-based biomarkers include their non-invasive nature, low costs, and ability to serially monitor health over tim
Read more