Effective Treatments for HR-Positive, HER2-Negative Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the cancer types which have a higher prevalence. The death toll due to breast cancer climbed to around 670000 in 2022. It may become fatal if it is neglected for a longer duration of time. Though breast cancer is often referred to as one disease, researchers have discovered its 20 subtypes. Therefore, it is essential to know about breast cancer in detail. In this article, we will discuss HR-Positive, HER2-Negative Advanced, or Metastatic Breast Cancer, which has the most prevalence compared to the other subtypes. This article will explain the characteristics and treatment options of Hr-positive, HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer.


What is breast cancer?

It is a clinical condition when cells inside the milk ducts and the milk-producing lobules of the breast start dividing in an unregulated manner. The earliest form of breast cancer is detectable and does not pose harm to the patients. However, invasive cancers can spread to neighboring lymph nodes or other organs (metastasize), and they can be life-threatening.


What is HR-Positive, HER2-Negative Breast Cancer?

HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer is a subtype characterized by the presence of hormone receptors but the absence of excess HER2 protein. This subtype tends to grow slower than others and is often more responsive to hormone therapy. However, when it advances or metastasizes, treatment becomes more complex, necessitating a combination of therapies to manage the disease effectively.


What are the current treatment strategies for breast cancer?

In this section, we are going to discuss current therapeutic alternatives for breast cancer treatment.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is the cornerstone of treatment alternatives for HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. It works by blocking the cancer's access to the hormones it needs to grow. Aromatase Inhibitors, Estrogen Receptor Degraders (SERDs) and Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) are other examples of hormone therapy.

Chemotherapy

Generally, chemotherapy may be opted when cancer has stopped responding to hormone therapy. Chemotherapy drugs can target cancer cells or prevent them from dividing and growing. Commonly used drugs include doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and capecitabine.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape by specifically targeting cancer cells while reducing damage to normal cells. Among these, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors have shown significant promise.

Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors

CDK inhibitors target the protein that induces cell division. Particularly, this class of drugs target CDK4 and CDK6 proteins and slows down the cell division process. This drug class are often used to manage HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. For example, Palbociclib, a well-known CDK4/6 inhibitor, is often used in combination with hormone therapy. Available in formulations like the Palbace 125mg capsule Palbace 125mg capsule, it has demonstrated efficacy in extending progression-free survival in patients with advanced breast cancer.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, which harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer, is an emerging area in the treatment of breast cancer. While its use in HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer is still being explored, promising results have been seen in clinical trials.

Emerging Treatments and Clinical Trials

Research continues to study new avenues for treating HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Clinical trials are investigating combinations of existing therapies, new targeted treatments, and innovative approaches like personalized medicine, which tailors treatment to the genetic profile of the patient's tumour.

The treatment landscape for HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer has evolved significantly, offering patients more options and improved outcomes. Hormone therapies, chemotherapy, targeted treatments like CDK inhibitors, and emerging immunotherapies are all part of a comprehensive approach to managing this challenging condition. Continued research and clinical trials promise to enhance the effectiveness of treatments further and improve the quality of life for those affected by this type of breast cancer.