Northwest Cancer Centers is proud to offer a new targeted therapy for breast cancer patients with low levels of the HER2 protein. On August 5, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug Enhertu for treatment of HER2-low breast cancers that cannot be removed surgically or have spread elsewhere in the body.
This affects a significant amount of people with breast cancer: about half of patients with breast cancer that was previously classified as negative for the HER2 protein actually express low levels of it. Previously, patients in this category would have received traditional chemotherapy. The FDA approval of Enhertu provides patients with a new targeted therapy option that has been shown to improve time without cancer progression as well as overall survival for these patients.
What is HER2-Low Breast Cancer?
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a protein that can promote the growth of cancer cells. If the protein is present in small amounts, it is considered HER2- low breast cancer. Identifying HER2-low is a recent shift in breast cancer classification. Formerly, these cancers were classified as HER2-negative because previously available targeted therapies were not very effective against them.
Nearly half of breast cancers classified as HER2-negative fall into this HER2-low category.
Sample quote: “This is going to greatly impact a significant number of patients who have previously had limited treatment options,” said Dr. Chowdhery at Northwest Cancer Centers. “Now we’re able to offer a therapy that targets the HER2-Low classification with more precision.”
How Do Targeted Therapies Treat Breast Cancer?
Targeted therapies use drugs that are designed to “target” cancer cells without affecting healthy cells. These drugs can also block cancer cells from dividing and making new cancer cells.
Which Patients are Eligible for Treatment with Enhertu?
Enhertu has been approved for patients with HER2-low breast cancers that cannot be removed surgically or have spread to other parts of the body. Before receiving this treatment, patients must have one of the following:
- Have received previous chemotherapy treatment for metastatic breast cancer
- Were given chemotherapy before or after surgery and had cancer return within 6 months of completing treatment
Physicians at Northwest Cancer Centers will consider these factors, other information about your cancer, cancer treatment and overall health to help determine if this treatment is right for you.
What to Expect When Taking Enhertu
If your physician recommends treatment with Enhertu, the treatment will be given through an intravenous infusion which will deliver the medicine directly into your bloodstream through an IV or port. Enhertu is typically given every three weeks.
Contact Northwest Cancer Centers About Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Enhertu is a breakthrough treatment that offers hope for longer progression-free breast cancer and overall survival for HER2-low breast cancer patients. If you think you may be eligible for Enhertu, have questions about the treatment, or have any other questions about your treatment options, contact our expert care team at 219.924.8178 or see check out our website for more information.
Sources:
https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/targeted-therapy/enhertu#section-how-enhertu-works
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/fda-approves-first-targeted-therapy-for-her2-low-breast-cancer#How-does-it-work
https://www.breastcancer.org/podcast/enhertu-her2-low
