HER2 Positive Breast Cancer Treatment

We as human beings are extremely proud of the technological achievements that we have accomplished over the past years. However, with all these medical achievements there are some things that we cannot avoid. Cancer is one of the things that exist as a hurdle in human progress. Nonetheless, we human beings will never cease to progress and hence have novel ideas to cure cancer. Read along to understand how researchers have researched techniques to cure Breast Cancer, a reason that is known to cause deaths in women. 

            In breast cancer, the breast cells grow uncontrollably and can cause swelling in the breast areas(1). This growth can be detected in various parts of the breast including the lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. The lobules are responsible to produce milk, the ducts carry this milk to nipples and the connective tissue is a structure that supports the breasts. Most cancers have their source in the ducts or the lobules. If the cancer cells spread to other parts of the body through blood vessels, the cancer is said to be metastasized (1). Unfortunately, breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women. As seen in the infographic, Breast cancer caused 600,000 deaths nationwide in the year 2018. This makes breast cancer as a major health concern for all women worldwide. 

Image Credits: (Sanofi Breast Cancer Statistics Infographic - PreScouter, 2018)

            As mentioned earlier, researchers have been working to research treatments that have minimal side effects and ensure a proper cure for cancer. An observation regarding breast cancer led to a valuable treatment option that has the potential to cure this disease. The researchers had observed that in some cancers, the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor or HER2 was overexpressed. This type of cancer is now commonly known as HER2 Positive Cancer. Approximately 25% of HER2 positive breast cancer cells are present in breast cancer cases. Typically, HER2 positive breast cancer is diagnosed in younger women and is usually more aggressive (2). HER2 is responsible for the normal and healthy development of the breast tissue. But when HER2 becomes cancerous, the breast tissue grows without any checks. Thus, giving rise to HER2 positive breast cancer. If a patient is diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer, the medical professionals might recommend the standard route of treatment which is Trastuzumab. Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the HER2 receptor. A monoclonal antibody is synthesized in a lab that binds to the cancer cell and “signals” the immune system to attack and destroy the cancer cells. They are particularly designed to bind to the antigens of the cancer cells in order to destroy them. Trastuzumab works to destroy cells by initiating cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. Trastuzumab can complement chemotherapy by impeding DNA repair in the cancer cells following chemo (3). 

            Trastuzumab treatment route for breast cancer is a manifestation of the researchers’ability to observe a commonality in breast cancers and propose a valuable treatment option. Also, it proves the advances occurring in the field of medical advancements. 

Works Cited:

1.      What Is Breast Cancer? (2020). What Is Breast Cancer?

2.      Fletcher, J. (2017, April 8). What’s to know about HER2-positive breast cancer? Medicalnewstoday.Com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316789#survival_rates_and_statistics

3.      ‌Mitri, Z., Constantine, T., & O’Regan, R. (2012). The HER2 Receptor in Breast Cancer: Pathophysiology, Clinical Use, and New Advances in Therapy. Chemotherapy Research and Practice, 2012, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/743193

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