Metastatic Breast Cancer With HER2 Positive

An Overview of Metastatic Breast Cancer with HER2 Positive

Metastatic breast cancer, also known as advanced or stage IV breast cancer, is a form of breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast area to other parts of the body. About 20-30% of people with early-stage breast cancer eventually develop metastatic breast cancer. Most commonly, this type of cancer affects the lungs, bones, liver and brain.

Additionally, about 20% of metastatic breast cancer is HER2 positive, meaning that the tumor cells test positive for a protein known as Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2). HER2-positive breast cancer is a particularly aggressive form of the disease, linked with a poorer prognosis.

Causes and Risk Factors

It is not always known why metastatic breast cancer begins to spread, however the primary cause is believed to be due to DNA mutations that occur in breast cells. Mutations can cause cells to divide and reproduce out of control, leading to the formation of tumors.

Risk factors for metastatic breast cancer include:

• Increasing age
• Being female
• Having a family history or personal history of breast cancer
• Exposure to radiation
• Diabetes and obesity

Diagnosis and Treatment

Metastatic breast cancer is usually diagnosed with imaging tests - such as X-rays, CT scans, PET scans and MRI - as well as needles biopsies of questionable tissue. Treatment is based on the biopsy results, as well as the affected tissues, age and overall health.

Some forms of treatment for metastatic breast cancer with HER2 positive include:

• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy such as HER2-specific drugs like trastuzumab, which targets the HER2 protein
• Hormonal therapy, for cancer cells that can be affected by hormones like estrogen or progesterone
• Radiation
• Surgery, if the metastases can be locally contained and excised

Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Managing metastatic breast cancer is often a lifelong process. People who have the disease will need to work closely with a team of doctors to create a treatment plan that meets their needs.

It is also important to practice self-care while living with metastatic breast cancer. This includes participating in regular exercise, eating a nutritious and healthy diet, attending support groups, finding relief from emotional distress and other forms of stress, and getting enough sleep.