Breast Cancer with Three Positive Markers: Identification, Treatment Options, and Prognosis
Triple-positive breast cancer (TPBC) is a type of breast cancer that tests positive for estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and high levels of HER2 protein. This article will explore the treatment options and prognosis for TPBC.
Treatment
The treatment of TPBC typically involves a combination of surgical, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy.
Surgery
Surgery, either mastectomy or lumpectomy, is often the first step in treating TPBC. The goal is to remove the tumor and as much of the known cancer as possible.
Radiation Therapy
Post-surgery radiation therapy, especially after lumpectomy or for larger tumors and lymph node involvement, is common in TPBC treatment.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often used before surgery to shrink tumors and after surgery depending on the stage of the cancer.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy against HER2, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) and pertuzumab (Perjeta), are combined with chemotherapy and have significantly improved outcomes by specifically targeting the HER2 protein.
Hormonal Therapy
Due to the hormone receptor-positive status of TPBC, hormonal therapy is a crucial part of the treatment. Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors are commonly prescribed to block estrogen and progesterone effects and reduce the risk of recurrence, regardless of the stage of the cancer.
Prognosis
The prognosis for TPBC is generally more favorable compared to HER2-positive cancers lacking hormone receptors or triple-negative breast cancer. The incorporation of HER2-targeted therapies combined with hormonal and chemotherapy treatments has increased 5-year survival rates markedly, often exceeding 90% for early-stage disease, with many patients effectively cured.
For advanced or metastatic disease, HER2-targeted agents continue to improve progression-free and overall survival but do not yet offer a cure, although ongoing research and new drugs are enhancing outcomes.
In postmenopausal individuals, treatments may include aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen in combination with fulvestrant, a selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD). CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib, are a more recent treatment option to prevent cancer cell growth.
It's important to note that the outlook for someone with TPBC may depend on various factors, such as the stage of cancer, tumor size and grade, how fast the cancer is growing, location of the cancer, likelihood of the cancer returning, a person's age and overall health, whether a person has gone through menopause, and whether it is a recent diagnosis or if the cancer is recurring.
Individuals may also want to speak with a healthcare professional about participating in clinical trials currently exploring new breast cancer treatments.
In summary, TPBC benefits from multimodal treatment strategies combining surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, HER2-targeted therapy, and hormone therapy, resulting in a relatively favorable prognosis, especially when treated early and with adherence to the full anti-HER2 regimen.
Breast cancer can also affect men, not just women.
Menopause might influence the treatment options and prognosis for women with breast cancer, as it impacts hormone levels.
Breast cancer treatment and prognosis are significant subjects in the realm of health-and-wellness and especially women's health.
Unfortunately, knowing whether a breast cancer diagnosis is triple-positive, hormone receptor-negative, or triple-negative presents different challenges in terms of treatment and science is progressing to address these variations.
The science of breast cancer treatment is always evolving, with current research working towards new therapies for various clinical conditions, such as recurring breast cancer and menopause.
It is crucial to prioritize regular check-ups, proper treatments, and therapy compliance for both prevention and effective breast cancer management, contributing significantly to one's overall well-being and healthy lifestyle.
