For those diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer, a personalized treatment plan is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. With targeted therapies and advanced options, treatment can be tailored to fit the specific needs of each individual. By understanding how these treatments work, patients can take an active role in their care, navigating the path toward recovery with confidence and hope.

Every test result and every treatment is an opportunity to fight the disease. We offer the following expert selection, expertise, support and understanding，No matter how difficult the road ahead is, remember: you are not alone. Your family, friends and medical staff are your strong support.

Pelin Batur, MD Departments Center for Specialized Women's Health,Subspecialty Care for Women's Health, Women's Health

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Kelli Corniello, DO，Committed to women's health

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Solon Family Health Center

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Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

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Natalia Estrada, CNP，Gynecologic Oncology

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HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Symptoms

1. Breast lumps: Common in the early stages of breast cancer, they may be hard, painless lumps.

2. Changes in breast shape or size: Breasts may appear deformed, swollen, or asymmetrical.

3. Skin changes: The skin of the breast may be dimpled, red, or have a rash, or even develop an orange peel-like appearance.

4. Nipple changes: The nipple may become dimpled or secrete fluid (may be bloody or clear)

5. Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit: HER2-positive breast cancer often causes swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, and lumps may be felt.

6. Pain or discomfort: Although there may be no obvious pain in the early stages, some patients may feel pain or discomfort after the tumor develops.

7. Systemic symptoms: In the late stages, patients may experience systemic symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and decreased appetite.

8. Metastatic symptoms: If the cancer spreads to other organs, corresponding symptoms may occur, such as difficulty breathing (lung metastasis) and bone pain (bone metastasis).

Targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer

Targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer mainly inhibits the overexpression of HER2 receptors by using specific targeted drugs, such as trastuzumab, to prevent the growth and proliferation of tumor cells. This treatment is usually suitable for patients with early and metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, and can significantly improve the treatment effect and prognosis. Targeted therapy can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy or endocrine therapy to enhance the efficacy and reduce the risk of recurrence. Through this precise treatment method, the survival rate of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer has been significantly improved.

Endocrine therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer

Endocrine therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer is suitable for patients who are also hormone receptor-positive (ER+/PR+). It mainly inhibits the growth of estrogen-dependent tumor cells by reducing estrogen levels in the body. Commonly used endocrine therapy drugs include selective estrogen receptor modulators (such as tamoxifen) and aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole and letrozole). This type of treatment can be used as an adjuvant therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence, or used in combination with targeted therapy to enhance the overall efficacy. Endocrine therapy can improve the patient's prognosis, especially in patients with early and metastatic breast cancer, providing a more comprehensive treatment option.

Combined use of targeted and endocrine therapy

Targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer combined with endocrine therapy provides a more comprehensive treatment option for patients with both HER2-positive and hormone receptor-positive (ER+/PR+). Targeted therapy, such as trastuzumab, specifically targets HER2 receptors and inhibits the growth of tumor cells, while endocrine therapy, such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, inhibits estrogen-dependent cancer cells by reducing estrogen levels in the body. This combination therapy can not only enhance the therapeutic effect, but also reduce the risk of disease recurrence, especially in patients with early and metastatic breast cancer. The combined use of these two treatments can significantly improve patients' prognosis and survival rate

In summary

Although the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer mainly relies on targeted therapy, endocrine therapy is still an important component in suitable patients, especially in the case of hormone receptor-positive. The combined use of targeted and endocrine therapy will help improve the treatment effect and patient survival rate.

Regular breast examinations, including self-examinations and examinations by a professional doctor, can help detect any changes early. Understanding your condition and sticking to treatment can help breast cancer patients cope better with the disease and improve their quality of life.