What Does HER2-Low Mean in Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is another common type of cancer that affects females worldwide, and it is not just a single disease. It has different subdivisions, each acting and reacting differently to different treatments. Medical professionals differentiate breast cancer by analyzing if it expels certain types of protein, like Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2).
For many years, breast cancer has been classified into two groups: HER2-negative and HER2-positive groups. But technological advancements have found a new type of group, which is HER2-low breast cancer. This new category changes the way cancer treatment is seen and provides hope to many patients experiencing breast cancer. Let’s get started.
What is HER2-Low Breast Cancer?
HER2 is a protein that is found on the surface of breast cells. It plays a major part in repairing and growing breast cells. Sometimes, the HER2 gene amplifies and produces high protein content and promotes the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. This is called HER2-positive cancer, which is highly aggressive and responds well to medications that target HER2.
Breast cancer that does not produce too much HER2 is known as HER2-negative. But some cancers produce low-level HER2, which is not sufficient to be called negative or positive, but still able to be found, and is categorized as HER2-low breast cancer.
New treatments have arrived with the advancement in technologies that specifically target HER2-low.
How is HER2 Status Confirmed?
To diagnose breast cancer, two important steps are required to confirm the level of HER2. Doctors use a tumor sample for HER2-low testing.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Immunohistochemistry helps in evaluating the percentage of HER2 content presented on the breast cell surface.
1) If it is 3+, it is HER2 positive.
2) If it is 0 or 1+, it is HER2 negative.
3) If it is 2+, it indicates that it needs more testing.
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
FISH tests the HER2 gene itself to determine if it is increased. Breast cancer is considered HER2 negative if the score is 1+ or 2+ with no gene amplification on Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) testing.
By identifying these subgroups, medical professionals can guide patients through newer breast cancer treatment in Coimbatore that weren’t available previously.
What Are The Signs of HER2-Low Breast Cancer, and Its Causes?
Symptoms of HER2-Low Breast Cancer
HER2-low breast cancer doesn’t show any newer signs compared to other types. The symptoms are basically identical, but it might have:
- Unusual changes in the appearance, size, and shape of the breasts.
- Swelling in the underarm or breast.
- Inversion or discharge from the nipple.
- Skin puckering or dimpling in the breast area.
- Tenderness or persistent pain in the breast.
Signs might intersect with other breast cancer types. Hence, early diagnosis and evaluation are required from the best cancer hospital in Coimbatore.
Risk Factors and Causes
The main reason for the HER2-low type of breast cancer is not fully known. But it could result from the modifications in the breast cell DNA that impact the HER2 production. Factors that increase the risk are:
- Lifestyle Factors: Alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of physical activity might contribute to HER2-low breast cancer.
- Gender and Age: Men also develop breast cancer, but in many cases, women over 40 are affected.
- Genetics: If anyone in your family or a close relative had breast cancer, then the probability is higher that you might inherit it. For example: BRCA 1 and BRCA 2.
- Hormonal Changes: This type of breast cancer can be due to hormonal receptor positivity, which means that progesterone and estrogen play a crucial role.
What Are The Treatments Available For HER2-Low Breast Cancer?
Before the advancement of new technologies, HER2-low breast cancers were categorized as HER2-negative, often with treatments like hormonal therapy and chemotherapy. But the arrival of new targeted procedures, including antibody drug conjugates, has paved the way for more personalized treatments.
1. Medication Options
- Chemotherapy
It is a keystone treatment that focuses on the fastest-growing cancer cells. Chemotherapy is used before or after surgery, especially for advanced cases.
- Hormonal Therapy
Basically, HER2-low cancers are hormone receptor-positive, and hormonal therapy treatments can prevent the growth of estrogen.
- Targeted HER2-Low Therapy
This treatment option has shown significant effectiveness in HER2-low cancers.
- Immunotherapy
Medications that assist the immune system in identifying and destroying cancer cells are often used. In specific cases, the cancer might also express PD-L1.
2. Surgery
Surgery is one of the main treatments for breast cancer, like HER2-low types. The surgical options are
- Mastectomy: It is utilized for the surgical removal of the affected breast.
- Lumpectomy: It is also known as breast-conserving surgery, and it helps remove the tumor and its surrounding tissue.
- Axillary Dissection or Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: This procedure helps to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymphatic nodes.
The type of surgery will be determined only after observing the location and size of the tumor.
3. Radiation
Radiation is leveraged post-surgery to eradicate cancer cells that still remain to decrease the chance of developing again. Radiation is useful for relieving symptoms, especially in advanced cases, where the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
Concluding Remarks
HER2-low breast cancer shows a significant change in how we differentiate and treat breast cancer. HER2-low and hormone issues can be treated with innovative therapies that improve outcomes. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, then you should never underestimate HER2 status. Go for regular screening, as ongoing research has proven that HER2-low breast cancer patients have higher hope than ever before.