Introduction:
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with different subtypes, each requiring specific treatment approaches. One subtype, known as HER2+ breast cancer, accounts for approximately 15-20% of breast cancer cases. This blog explores HER2+ breast cancer in detail, including its causes, treatment options, and the importance of supportive care for individuals living with this particular subtype.
Understanding HER2+ Breast Cancer:
HER2+ breast cancer is characterized by the overexpression of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), or more recently, ERBB2. This protein plays a crucial role in cell growth and division. In HER2+ breast cancer, an excess of HER2 receptors leads to uncontrolled cell growth, resulting in the development and progression of tumors.
Causes and Risk Factors:
The exact causes of HER2+ breast cancer are not fully understood. However, certain risk factors have been identified, including a family history of breast cancer, hormonal factors, exposure to radiation, and certain genetic mutations. It is important to note that HER2+ breast cancer can occur in individuals without any known risk factors. In my experience working with women in my practice and leading a 1000+ member Facebook group for HER2+ breast cancer with over 1000 members, chronic stress and stressful life events are major drivers of HER2+ breast cancer.
Conventional Treatment Options:
The treatment of HER2+ breast cancer typically involves a combination of therapies, which may include:
Targeted Therapy (Herceptin): Herceptin (trastuzumab) is a targeted therapy specifically designed to block the HER2 receptors, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. It is usually administered along with chemotherapy or after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. Other targeted therapies, such as pertuzumab (Perjeta), ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla),fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu), Neratinib (Nerlynx), and Tucatinib (Tukysa) may also be utilized in certain cases. Other targeted therapies are being tested in clinical trials. Clinicaltrials.gov lists all clinical trials available worldwide.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy drugs are often used in combination with targeted therapy to destroy cancer cells throughout the body. The specific chemotherapy regimen will depend on various factors, including the stage of the cancer and the individual's overall health. Some more progressive oncologists offer low-dose or metronomic chemotherapy to reduce side effects and improve outcomes.
Surgery: Surgical interventions, such as lumpectomy or mastectomy, may be recommended to remove the tumor and affected lymph nodes. Breast reconstruction surgery can be performed to restore the appearance of the breast after mastectomy.
Cryoablation:
Smaller tumors may be appropriate for an innovative treatment called cryoablation, which is an ultrasound-guided procedure that uses a probe under extremely cold temperatures to freeze the tumor cells. Recently, cryoablation has been shown to create an immune response that acts on metastatic sites distant from the treated lesion, thereby reducing the risk of metastasis.
Radiation Therapy:
Radiation therapy may be used post-surgery to target any remaining cancer cells in the breast or lymph nodes.
Supportive Care/Integrative Treatment Protocols:
Supportive care plays a critical role in managing HER2+ breast cancer and improving the overall well-being of patients. Maria’s Facebook Group, HER+ Breast Cancer—Integrative Protocols, provides valuable support related to natural substances and off-label drugs for those who are going through treatment and want to enhance outcomes or reduce treatment side effects or those who are in remission and want to learn about reducing the risk of recurrence and manage lingering treatment side effects. Topics in the group include:
Side Effect Management:
The treatment of HER2+ breast cancer can cause various side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and emotional distress. Supportive care focuses on managing these side effects through medication, nutrition and lifestyle modifications, nutritional supplements, and psychological support.
Emotional and Psychological Support:
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging. Support groups, counseling, and therapy can provide emotional support and help patients cope with the psychological impact of the disease. An online group such as Maria’s Facebook group provides a valuable outlet for sharing experiences with others going through a similar process.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutrient-rich low-glycemic diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction techniques contributes to overall well-being and has been proven to enhance treatment outcomes. Integrative medicine practitioners and nutritionists are trained in these aspects of complementary care, which may not be offered by a conventional oncology practice.
Follow-Up Care:
Regular follow-up appointments, imaging tests, and blood work with an oncologist are essential to monitor treatment response, detect potential recurrence, and address any concerns or symptoms. But this care rarely includes coaching to help women reduce their risk of recurrence. Through her practice, Healing Nutrition of Sonoma, Maria guides women throughout the US and Canada who are in remission from breast cancer. She coaches clients on diet and lifestyle changes they can make to reduce their risk of recurrence as well as avoid or heal other chronic health conditions.
Conclusion:
HER2+ breast cancer represents a distinct subtype of breast cancer characterized by the overexpression of HER2 receptors. Advances in targeted therapies, such as Herceptin, have significantly improved treatment outcomes for individuals with HER2+ breast cancer. However, a comprehensive approach that includes supportive care, emotional support, and lifestyle modifications is essential to ensure optimal management and improve the overall quality of life for those living with this subtype of breast cancer.