Latest videos

Home
Articles

HER2 Positive Breast Cancer: Everything You Must Know administrator 11 Views • 2 years ago

We teach you why HER2-positive breast cancers are more threatening and educate you about new therapies such as targeted immunotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

VISIT THE BREAST CANCER SCHOOL FOR PATIENTS:
http://www.breastcancercourse.org

LIST OF QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTORS:
http://www.breastcancercourse.org/breast-health-updates-latest-videos/

FOLLOW US:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Breas....t-Cancer-School-for-
_____________________________
Questions for your Breast Surgeon and Medical Oncologist:

1. What is HER2-Positive breast cancer?
2. Will I need Chemo and Targeted Therapy?
3. What are the benefits of Neoadjuvant Chemo?
4. Isn’t Neoadjuvant Chemo recommended more now?
5. Should I consider a Clinical Trial?
6. What is “HER2-Positive” breast cancer?

“HER2-Positive” breast cancers are fast growing tumors that more frequently spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. Because of this, they are a bigger threat to your life than most other types of cancers with different receptor patterns. These cancers are called “HER2-positive” because they have too many HER2 protein receptors on their surface. These tiny proteins act like “light switches” to turn cancer cell growth “on.” Chemotherapy, combined with new, “targeted” drugs, are very effective against HER2-positive breast cancer and are a leap forward in breast cancer care.

Your Breast Surgeon will know your “receptor pattern” within days after your initial breast biopsy. These results are often not communicated to you early on in your decision process. Although only 20% of breast cancers are “HER2-positive,” it is imperative that you specifically ask your surgeon immediately, and well before surgery, “What are my receptor results?” Take our lesson on “My Tumor Receptors” to learn more.

Treated with Chemo and “Targeted Therapy”

HER2 Receptor Positive (HER2+) tumors are incredibly responsive to chemotherapy when paired with new breakthrough drugs that target these cancers, such as Herceptin and Perjeta. The same holds true if a HER2+ tumor is also Estrogen Receptor positive (ER+). HER2+ tumors are more aggressive cancers, but we now can treat them more effectively, than in the past, with chemotherapy and “targeted immunotherapy” drugs that are designed to destroy them. Everyone with a HER2+ tumor larger than 5mm (1/4 inch) and in good health is considered for chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

Unfortunately, studies have shown that many patients are not offered these standard of care, life-saving “targeted drugs” along with chemotherapy. You will make better treatment choices when you are well informed about HER2 therapies before meeting with your medical oncologist. You must inquire about Herceptin, Perjeta, and other “anti-HER2 drugs” that may be of benefit to you.

Ask about the benefits of “Neoadjuvant Chemo”

What is often overlooked are the benefits of offering neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with HER2-Positive, “Early-Stage” (1 & 2) breast cancers. There are distinct advantages (listed below) to having chemotherapy before surgery instead of afterwards. The decision to consider neoadjuvant chemotherapy always begins with your breast surgeon. Breast surgeons choose the initial direction of your entire breast cancer treatment plan. You must address this “cutting edge” treatment option well before surgery to benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Do not be afraid to ask. This is a very important question. Learn more about “Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy“ by taking our video lesson on the topic.

The Potential Benefits of Neoadjuvant Chemo:

*Begin life-saving chemotherapy earlier
*Reduce the need for a mastectomy
*Improve lumpectomy cosmetic outcomes
*Reduce the need for an “Axillary Dissection”
*Allows more time for BRCA genetic testing
*More time to think about “lumpectomy vs. mastectomy”
*Shows your cancer team if the chemo is working
*Can possibly eliminate all cancer cells before surgery
*Reduces the need for radiation after a mastectomy

Ask if you might benefit from a Clinical Trial.

New therapies must be studied in clinical trials to make sure they are safe and effective at treating breast cancer. HER2-positive breast cancers are currently the focus of intense clinical research. New drug treatments are rapidly being developed for this aggressive cancer. Less than 5% of all patients with breast cancer participate in clinical trials. Patients with cancer willing to participate in clinical trials are essential for the advancement of breast cancer care. Ask your medical oncologist if they offer or recommend you participate in a clinical trial for your unique breast cancer situation. Learn more about “Clinicial Trials“ at the Breast Cancer School for Patients.

Breast Cancer Receptors: Learn What You Need to Know administrator 5 Views • 2 years ago

We teach you to about breast cancer tumor receptors and why they are important in your breast cancer treatment. Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are based on your receptor pattern.

VISIT THE BREAST CANCER SCHOOL FOR PATIENTS:
http://www.breastcancercourse.org

LIST OF QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTORS:
http://www.breastcancercourse.org/breast-health-updates-latest-videos/

FOLLOW US:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Breas....t-Cancer-School-for-
_________________________________
Questions for your Breast Surgeon and Medical Oncologist:

1. What receptors do my tumor have?
2. What type of treatment do they suggest I will need?
3. May I have a copy of all my pathology reports?
4. Do my receptors already suggest I need chemotherapy?
5. Do my receptors show I will need hormonal therapy?
6. Would I benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy?

What are Breast Cancer Receptors?

Once a breast biopsy is determined to be an invasive by a pathologist under the microscope, they will automatically run at least three more tests on the same tissue to determine what “receptors” are present. Receptors are tiny proteins on the surface of the cells that act like “light switches” that can turn cancer cell growth “on” or “off.” The Estrogen receptor (ER), Progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 receptor results are incredibly important for you to know and understand. Receptors are different than “grade” and “stage” as outlined in the diagram below. All are different pieces of the breast cancer puzzle that your physicians will assemble to determine the best therapy for you. In the case of receptors, these are key determinants as to whether you will or will not benefit from hormonal therapy (pills) or chemotherapy. The receptors involving a precancerous lesion such as DCIS have different implications and are addressed in our DCIS course.

Receptors that suggest Hormonal Therapy

Estrogen Receptor Positive (ER+) tumors are always treated with hormonal therapy. Usually these types of medications (pills) are taken for a total of 5 to 10 years. It is still possible that one may need chemotherapy in addition to hormonal therapy. If you are Progesterone Receptor Positive (PR+) then you will likely need hormonal therapy, even if you are ER-. The Estrogen Receptor plays a much more important role in cancer care than the Progesterone Receptor.

Receptors that suggest Chemotherapy

Determining if you need chemotherapy is a very complex decision process and is primarily driven by your medical oncologist. Your “receptor pattern” is a key piece of information that is known early in your breast cancer journey. In about 30% of patients with an invasive breast cancer, the receptor pattern alone can strongly suggest that chemotherapy will be needed, regardless of what is found at surgery. We list a few of the more common “chemotherapy receptor patterns” below. Many factors, including a large cancer and cancer that is present in the lymph nodes, also point someone towards chemotherapy. Take our video lesson on “Will I Need Chemotherapy“ (here). Often if someone needs chemotherapy, they will likely benefit also from hormonal therapy after chemotherapy if their estrogen receptor is positive.

Estrogen Receptor Negative (ER-) tumors do not respond to anti-estrogen oral medications that are essential for treating estrogen receptor positive (ER+) tumors. Quite simply, patients with ER negative tumors will benefit from chemotherapy if they are healthy enough to tolerate it. ER negative tumors are more aggressive cancers, but respond very well to chemotherapy. This includes “triple negative” breast cancers. Progesterone Receptors (PR) play a much smaller role than estrogen or HER2 receptors and are not addressed here.

HER2 Receptor Positive (HER2+) tumors are very responsive to chemotherapy when paired with new breakthrough drugs that target these tumors, such as Herceptin and Perjeta. The same holds true if a HER2-positive tumor is also ER positive. Take our “HER2-Positive“ video lesson to learn more (here). HER2-positive tumors are more aggressive cancers, but we now can treat them more effectively with chemotherapy and “targeted immunotherapy” drugs that are designed to destroy HER2-positive cancers.

“Triple Negative” (ER-)(PR-)(HER2-) tumors are also fast growing tumors that are usually treated with a specific chemotherapy regimen. These tumors are not responsive to hormonal therapy at all, but are sensitive to chemotherapy. If you have “Triple Negative Breast Cancer“ review our video lesson (here).

Take home message:

Make sure to ask for a copy of the pathology report from your biopsy. Ask your breast surgeon and medical oncologist to explain to you what your receptors mean regarding your treatment. Sometimes the HER2 receptor results can take up to two weeks to become finalized. Inquire early on with your physicians about your benefit from hormonal therapy and/or chemotherapy.

The 12 Breast Cancer Symptoms and Signs - What to Look for on Your Self-Breast Exam administrator 0 Views • 2 years ago

Breast Cancer Symptoms and signs are reviewed and explained. What is normal and what isn't? It's always best to do a monthly self-breast exam to get to know your breast tissue so you can monitor for any new changes. The 12 breast cancer signs are explained. If any symptoms are found or other concerns, then it's always best to check with a doctor.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finding my channel and content helpful and want to support my channel? Your donations are greatly appreciated and can be made here: http://buymeacoffee.com/cancerrehabpt

Join us on Instagram: @cancerrehabpt
https://www.instagram.com/cancerrehabpt/

Check out my website for more information:
http://cancerrehabpt.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Use code KELLY10 for 10% off the BEST, medical-quality lymphedema products at BrightLife Direct (*Shipping is free in the US*): https://bit.ly/3udwb1t

For my favorite, go-to products related to management and wellness for lymphatic health and oncology, checkout my storefront!: http://amazon.com/shop/cancerrehabpt

Disclosure: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. Thank you for your support!

DISCLAIMER
THE CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO DOES NOT REPLACE THE CARE OF PHYSICAL THERAPISTS OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS. THIS VIDEO CONTENT IS IN NO WAY TO BE CONSTRUED OR SUBSTITUTED AS PHYSICAL THERAPY OR ANY OTHER TYPE MEDICAL ADVICE, BUT IS FOR GENERAL EDUCATION aND DEMONSTRATION ONLY. THESE MOVES MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION, SO GET APPROVAL AND GUIDANCE FROM YOUR OWN HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE BEGINNING. PERFORM AT YOUR OWN RISK. DON'T USE THIS CONTENT TO SELF-DIAGNOSE OR SELF-TREAT ANY HEALTH, MEDICAL, OR PHYSICAL CONDITION. YOU AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY CANCER REHAB PT LLC FOR ANY AND ALL LOSSES INJURIES, OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS THAT ARISE FROM YOUR USE OR MISUSE OF THIS CONTENT. ALL CONTENT OR RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE COMPANY’S WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA, BLOG, OR EMAIL SERIES AND CANCER REHAB PT LLC's COMMENTS ARE EXPRESSIONS OF OPINION ONLY.

Showing 3505 out of 3506

Please note that if you are under 18, you won't be able to access this site.

Latest videos

Language