There are a number of factors that can lead to the development of breast cancer, and one of which is the HER2 gene. In roughly 25% of breast cancers, the gene fails to work correctly, ultimately causing too many copies of itself being made. This causes breast cells to make more HER2 protein receptors than needed, which then causes breast cells to grow and divide.
Luckily, there are HER2 breast cancer treatments available.
HER2 Breast Cancer Treatments
The first HER2 breast cancer treatment is called Herceptin. The chemical name is trastuzumab. Essentially, Herceptin works against breast cancers that are HER2 positive as it blocks the cancer cells’ ability to receive chemical signals. These signals tell the cancer cells to grow. Common side effects of Herceptin are as follows: stomach pain, weight loss, insomnia, muscle and/or joint pain, and redness at the injection site.
The next on this list of HER2 breast cancer treatments is Kadcyla. The chemical name is T-DM1. Kadcyla is essentially a combination of emtansine and Herceptin.
The third HER2 breast cancer treatment is Nerlyn. The chemical name is neratinib. This fights cancers that are HER2 positive by blocking the ability to receive signals that tell the cells to grow.
The fourth treatment for HER2 positive breast cancer is Perjeta. The chemical name is pertuzumab. This works by stopping growth signals.
Lastly, there is the option of Tykerb. The chemical name is lapatinib. This works by blocking various proteins that have the ability to cause cells to grow uncontrollably.
The Takeaway
Speak with your doctor about your options when it comes to HER2 breast cancer treatments. Your doctor will decide what he or she thinks are the best HER2 breast cancer treatments for you. However, you do have a say in the treatment you end up receiving so it is better to be well-informed.
Featured Image: Unsplash @ freestocks
