Advanced HER2-Negative Breast Cancer Treatments
Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on February 07, 2022
Video Transcript
SPEAKER: If you have received
a diagnosis
of advanced or metastatic breast
cancer, it means that cancer
cells have spread
beyond the site
of the original tumor.
As part of understanding
your disease
and possible treatments,
it's a good idea to learn
about your HER2 status.
HER2 is a protein found
on the outside of all breast
cells.
When there are higher
than normal amounts of HER2
on breast cancer cells,
the cancer is called HER2
positive.
And these cancer cells can grow
more rapidly than other breast
cancers.
HER2 positive cancers more likely to respond to treatment that specifically attacks the HER2 protein. Alternatively, if you have lower amounts of the HER2 protein, your cancer is HER2 negative. And your doctor will prescribe a different course of treatment. Treatments for both HER2 positive and HER2 negative advanced breast cancers are usually chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and certain specialized drugs. These therapies are called systemic because they target cancer cells throughout the body.
Treatments for advanced HER2 breast cancer can reduce the tumors, provide relief from symptoms, and help you live longer. [MUSIC PLAYING]
HER2 positive cancers more likely to respond to treatment that specifically attacks the HER2 protein. Alternatively, if you have lower amounts of the HER2 protein, your cancer is HER2 negative. And your doctor will prescribe a different course of treatment. Treatments for both HER2 positive and HER2 negative advanced breast cancers are usually chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and certain specialized drugs. These therapies are called systemic because they target cancer cells throughout the body.
Treatments for advanced HER2 breast cancer can reduce the tumors, provide relief from symptoms, and help you live longer. [MUSIC PLAYING]