HI, Can someone please tell me if breast cancer that is HER-2 postive starts out that way or can it change while you have breast cancer and are in treatment? Thanks. :)
2006-07-26 14:36:08 · 6 answers · asked by pinkribbons&walking4boobies 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
My mom is an RN (experienced in oncology) and she says:
No, it will not change. HER-2 positive is usually more aggressive than the negative, but the good news is that Herceptin is available for HER-2 positive only. I have seen many great outcomes with Herceptin and cancer patients.
2006-07-26 16:09:52 · answer #1 · answered by Xiao-wen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
— a breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), which promotes the growth of cancer cells. In about one of every three breast cancers, the cancer cells make an excess of HER2 due to a gene mutation. This gene mutation can occur in many types of cancer — not only breast cancer.
HER2-positive breast cancers tend to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer. They're also less responsive to hormone treatment. However, two treatments that may be effective against HER2-positive breast cancer are:
Trastuzumab (Herceptin) — a drug that targets HER2 — may slow the growth of the cancer and even decrease its size. Herceptin may be used as a treatment by itself or combined with chemotherapy. A study published in 2005 also found that Herceptin can reduce breast cancer recurrence by as much as 50 percent.
Certain chemotherapy medications, such as combinations of anthracycline drugs (doxorubicin, epirubicin).
Breast tissue can be tested for HER2, and routine testing is recommended for most women with breast cancer because the results may affect treatment recommendations and decisions. Whenever breast cancer recurs or spreads, the cancer cells should be tested for HER2.there one side effect with taking herceptin is hesrt failure im taking herceptin now had to stop bc of heart failure,, and no the her-2 dont change it stays that way even after treatment.
2006-07-27 00:43:45 · answer #2 · answered by purple 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Estrogen receptor positive breast cancer means the tumor is being fed by the hormone estrogen. It doesn't really change. This positive means the pt should take Tamoxifen.
2006-07-26 22:39:12 · answer #3 · answered by happydawg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it will not change. However, 10 percent of patients who are Her-2 negative and develop a recurrence will convert to Her-2 positive.
2006-07-26 23:37:00 · answer #4 · answered by Becca 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you are either positive or not positive. It doesn't change. I am both Her2 and ER positive. You should be tested for both before treatment as those results will effect what treatments you will get (Herceptin and Tamoxifen).
2006-07-26 22:50:14 · answer #5 · answered by BriteHope 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was Her-2 postive. I am 4 years out Yeah. It won't change. Your chemo "cocktail" is mixed for you.
2006-07-27 10:23:32 · answer #6 · answered by hello 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋