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Is metastatic breast cancer that is HER2-positive and hormone receptor-negative a slow or fast-growing cancer?

HER2-positive breast cancer is considered an aggressive type that grows faster than other breast cancers. This is because the cancer cells make too much of the HER2 protein, which controls cell growth - when it's Show Full Answer

Is metastatic breast cancer that is HER2-positive and hormone receptor-negative a slow or fast-growing cancer?

HER2-positive breast cancer is considered an aggressive type that grows faster than other breast cancers. This is because the cancer cells make too much of the HER2 protein, which controls cell growth - when it's overproduced, cancer cells multiply quickly.

However, there's good news: while HER2-positive cancer is aggressive, modern treatments can block the HER2 protein and stop the cancer from growing. This makes HER2-positive breast cancer much more treatable than it was in the past.

Treatment options for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer typically include:
- Chemotherapy combined with medications that block HER2
- Targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin) or pertuzumab (Perjeta)
- Antibody-drug conjugates that deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells
- Kinase inhibitors that block growth signals in cancer cells

Even though this type grows faster, the available targeted treatments have greatly improved outcomes. It's important to work closely with your oncology team to find the right treatment plan for your specific situation.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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