Facing a diagnosis of hormone receptor-positive (HER2-positive) breast cancer can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone in this journey, though. Understanding your treatment options and making informed decisions with your healthcare team can help you feel empowered and confident as you move forward.
Understanding Your Treatment Options
First, let’s talk about your treatment options.
Your healthcare team will consider factors like the stage of your cancer, your overall health, and your preferences when discussing your treatment plan with you. From surgery and radiation to hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, there are various approaches available to tailor your treatment to your unique needs.
Surgery and Radiation: Depending on the size and location of your tumor, you may undergo breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy. Radiation therapy may follow to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Hormone Therapy: This type of therapy targets hormone receptors in cancer cells and may include medications like tamoxifen, fulvestrant, or aromatase inhibitors.
Chemotherapy: In some cases, chemotherapy may be recommended to shrink the tumor before surgery or as an adjuvant treatment after surgery.
Targeted Therapies: These therapies specifically target cancer cells and can be used in combination with hormone therapy. Examples include CDK4/6 inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates.
Clinical Trials and Second Opinions
Participating in a clinical trial can offer access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advancing cancer research. If you’re considering this option, discuss it with your healthcare team to see if any trials might be a good fit for you.
Let our Genentech Trial Nurse answer any of your trial and eligibility questions.
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Seeking a second opinion from another experienced oncologist can also provide you with additional perspectives and help you feel more confident in your treatment decisions.