Why all breast cancer treatments are not the same?

Breast Cancer treatment is highly personalized because it is planned based on the patient’s demographic details and cancer stage. Besides this, according to the American cancer society, there are about 20 subcategories of breast cancer and not all breast cancers are similar. Did you know? Determining the hormonal status and the genetic makeup of breast cancer plays a significant role in designing the treatment plan and improving the survival rate of the patients. However, a biopsy report is needed to confirm the type of breast cancer. The latest study reports show that 70% of metastatic breast cancer cases are typically presented with hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor negative.

If a breast cancer biopsy report tests positive for the hormone receptor (HR), it implies that the female hormones i.e, estrogen and progesterone, are involved in the rapid growth of breast cancer cells. In hormone receptor-positive( HR+ve) breast cancer the estrogen sends signals and fuels the multiplication of breast cancer cells. Yet the influence of hormonal status is not common in all individuals with breast cancer. The oncologist must determine the type of breast cancer to craft a treatment plan for individual patients to prevent a recurrence.

There is a role of a receptor called Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which is nothing but the proteins involved in the development of breast cancer. If the cancer tissues are tested with HER+ve, it shows that breast cancer has developed due to overexpression of HER2 proteins which is denoted as aggressive breast cancer. This condition is referred to as HER2 +ve breast cancer. In contrast to this, HER2-negative breast cancer can also occur due to under-expressive HER2 proteins. In HER2 negative breast cancer, the cancer growth is relatively slow compared to HER 2+ve breast cancer.

The HR +ve and HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer is an advanced stage cancer where the cancerous cells have spread to lymph nodes and to the neighboring organs such as the lungs. With the treatment advancements in oncology, the latest research works evaluated that the survival rate of HR+VE and HER negative breast cancer is now over 5 years.

Apart from the conventional cancer therapy that involves chemo and radiation therapy, the contemporary treatment options such as hormonal and targeted therapy are used to treat HR+ve and HER 2 negative breast cancer. Since this type of breast cancer is developed due to the hormonal influence, the treatment plan will be designed according to the condition. However, before commencing the treatment, your oncologist will plan the medicine according to your age, menopausal status, comorbidities, the location or grade of the tumor, and the stage of breast cancer. If you have been diagnosed with HR+ve and HER2 negative breast cancer, you will be prescribed hormonal therapy agents such as fulvestrant, a drug that acts by suppressing estrogen levels. Fulvestrant is commonly known as Faslodex in the market and it is available as Faslodex 250 mg injection.

Faslodex 250mg injection can either be used as monotherapy for treating breast cancer in postmenopausal women or combined with other hormone therapy agents for treating both pre and postmenopausal women with HR+ve and HER 2 negative breast cancer. Faslodex 250 mg works by binding to the estrogen receptor present in the cancerous cells and inhibits the effects of estrogen on cell growth. However, it is always necessary to inform your oncologist about your medical condition, menstrual history, and past medical history before taking Faslodex 250 mg to avoid any side-effects.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Overview on Hepatitis B and tenofovir alafenamide

Did you know? Hepatitis (liver inflammation) is most commonly caused by hepatitis viruses . Hepatitis C & B viruses are the most common cause of chronic hepatitis and severe liver damage. Let’s discuss more on hepatitis B. Hepatitis B virus is present in the infected person's blood and body fluids like semen and vaginal secretions. Exposure to the infected fluids can cause infection, which usually results from unprotected sex, sharing injection drug equipment and personal belongings such as toothbrushes or razors, or getting tattoos or piercings with unsterilized equipment.  This virus can also get passed on from the infected mother to the baby during birth. It is also possible that the infected children can pass to the other children who they frequently contact. Hepatitis B virus infection can be acute or chronic. The acute infection lasts less than six months, and the chronic infection lasts 6 months or longer. Babies and children are at high risk of developing chronic infect...
Read more

Epilepsy Decoded: Causes, Symptoms, and Management of Seizure Disorders

Image
  Epilepsy, known as the illness associated with frequently occurring seizures, is a neurological problem suffered by many people in the entire globe. This state does not discriminate and hence, causes excruciating pain and indescribable agony irrespective of the age; young and elders, rich and poor are equally struck. Now, epilepsy is often viewed through the lens of myth and stereotype with the advancement of medicine and society; people with epilepsy tend to have a normal life. The purpose of this paper is to be a source of information for the family and friends who really want to gain more knowledge about the theory and the suspected factors responsible for epilepsy, the signs and symptoms that have been observed, the general issue and finally about the medication Levipil Syrup which is very commonly used for the treatment of this condition. What is the main cause of epilepsy? The brain helps with the functioning of the rest of the body by using electrical pulses. The patient s...
Read more

Risks, prevention, and treatment of influenza in vulnerable populations

Image
The respiratory illness influenza, more frequently referred to as the flu, is brought on by influenza viruses. While the flu can affect people of all ages, it is most dangerous for the elderly, small children, pregnant women, and those with underlying medical disorders. This article examines the particular hazards that these groups confront, as well as successful preventative tactics and improvements in treatment techniques. Risks Facing Vulnerable Groups Elderly People: The immune systems of the elderly are frequently compromised, rendering them more prone to serious consequences from influenza. The effects of the flu might be worsened by respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, which can result in hospitalisation or even death. Young Children: Due to their still-developing immune systems, young children, especially those under the age of two, are at increased risk. In young children, the flu can aggravate pre-existing medical issues and cause pneumonia and dehydration. Pregnant Wom...
Read more