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By Dr. Niti Raizada
Cancer is a heterogeneous group of diseases rather than a single entity. Even when it affects the same organ, it can take different forms that have various causes and respond to different therapies. Breast cancer is one such example. It has several subtypes such as HER2+, triple negative, luminal A and B, each with its own unique behaviour and treatment pathway. Over the years I’ve seen a rise in more women being diagnosed with breast cancer with subtypes including triple negative, luminal A&B and HER2+. More women are certainly aware of breast cancer and self-examination techniques however, not many may be aware that breast cancer encompasses multiple subtypes.
HER2+ breast cancer
Among these, HER2+ breast cancer is one of the most aggressive subtypes. HER2+ stands for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2. It is a protein receptor that makes the subtype often linked to higher recurrence and shorter survival rates. The overexpression of HER2 protein is what drives rapid tumour growth. Following a breast cancer diagnosis, biomarker testing plays a critical role in determining whether there is excess presence of HER2 protein. This helps in creating a personalized treatment plan for the patients.
I’ve personally seen a growing number of HER2+ cancer diagnosis over the years. Due to its aggressive nature, self-examination must be a routine practice so that medical professionals can diagnose early and guide patients with timely medical advice and treatment.
Current treatment options in India
Chemotherapy used to be generally the first line of treatment in India. However, now patients have the option of targeted therapies that attack the HER2 cancer cells more precisely than chemotherapy. Targeted therapies combined with chemotherapy have shown better survival outcomes and reduced risk of HER2+ breast cancer recurrence, compared to chemotherapy alone.
But the treatment journey can be very difficult for the patients and their caregivers. Every day, I witness how cancer treatments can drain patients and their caregivers, both mentally and physically. The hours spent in cancer wards surrounded by other patients can dampen the spirits of even the most optimistic patients.
Today there is a new hope in the form of subcutaneous injections. Targeted therapies for HER2+ breast cancer can now be administered via subcutaneous injections, within minutes. They help in maintaining treatment efficacy with minimum time spent in hospitals. Patients and their caregivers can navigate treatment with more ease and comfort. To see HER2+ breast cancer patients living life doing what they love, and not spending precious moments within cancer wards, boosts confidence for doctors to proactively advise subcutaneous formats within personalised breast cancer treatments.
As we see a rise in HER2+ cancer subtype among Indian women, there is a need for early detection and adoption of convenient targeted therapies. We are now living in an era where it is possible to bring a drastic improvement in the overall survival and quality of life for patients through innovations like subcutaneous injections. With continued focus on personalised care and improved patient outcomes, we can achieve both improved survival and quality of life. witness their son’s wedding, or their daughter’s graduation or take a family trip, without cancer treatment restricting them from cherishing such moments, then for us as clinicians, nothing compares to it.
The author is the Principal Director, Medical Oncology, Fortis (Bangalore).
