What kind of treatment may be considered for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer?

In the context of HER2-positive breast cancer, targeted therapy with trastuzumab is recognized as one of the most effective treatment options. HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is a protein that, when overexpressed, can promote the growth of cancer cells. Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody specifically designed to target and inhibit the HER2 protein, thereby slowing or stopping the proliferation of HER2-positive breast cancer cells. This targeted approach can lead to improved outcomes in patients, including increased survival rates and a delay in disease recurrence.

In addition to trastuzumab, treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer often involves a combination of therapies, including chemotherapy and sometimes hormonal therapy, depending on the individual patient's cancer characteristics. However, trastuzumab specifically represents the targeted option tailored for addressing the unique biology of HER2-positive tumors, highlighting its relevance in the treatment landscape for this subtype of breast cancer.