Estrogen receptor positive (ER+), Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer is often referred to as ER+/HER2- breast cancer. It is a specific subtype of breast cancer that, as the name implies, is characterized by the presence of estrogen receptors on the surface of cancer cells and the absence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 gene expression.
ER+/HER2- breast cancer is the most common type of breast cancer. It makes up nearly 70% of all breast cancer cases. It is more commonly diagnosed in postmenopausal women, but it can also affect premenopausal women.
Estrogen is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body. In ER-positive breast cancers, the presence of estrogen promotes cancer cell growth. Medication treatment options for ER-positive cancers work to stop or slow this growth.In HER2-positive cancers, there is an overexpression of HER2 protein which is not applicable in this type of cancer. In HER2-negative cancers, this overproduction protein is not present.
Click here to learn more about an ongoing clinical trial, determine if you are eligible, and do your part to advance estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and human epidermal receptor 2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer research.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for HR-positive breast cancer:
- Genetic mutations
- Family history
- Age
- Obesity
- Alcohol use
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Early onset of menstrual cycle
- First full-term pregnancy later in life
- Late menopause
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of ER+/HER2- breast cancer typically involves a series or combination of labs, tests, and imaging. Your healthcare provider can help determine which tests are right for you. Imaging tests may include a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI. A biopsy will confirm the diagnosis, presence of ER+/HER2- breast cancer cells, and other cancer-specific features.
Treatment
Treatment for ER+/HER2- breast cancer often includes a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and possibly chemotherapy. The key element of treatment in both early and progressive disease is endocrine therapy. Endocrine therapy works by blocking or reducing estrogen production.
The goal of early stage breast cancer treatment is to cure it and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back in the future. This treatment typically includes endocrine therapy. Commonly used endocrine therapies include tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, and ovarian suppression. Chemotherapy may also be recommended in certain situations. Treatment may be continued for several years following surgery.
Outlook
Cancer outlook can vary based on factors like the stage of cancer at diagnosis, tumor size, grade, and the presence of other factors. ER+/HER2- breast cancer tends to have a better prognosis and more treatment options that are highly effective compared to some other types of breast cancer. In ER+/HER2- breast cancer, the risk of cancer recurrence exists for an extended period of time.
Further Research
Treatment options have evolved and advanced over the years, but the harsh reality is that breast cancer disparities still exist. Minority women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer in later stages, less likely to receive optimal treatment, and likely to experience worse outcomes when compared to their white counterparts.
If you or a loved one have early-stage ER+/HER2- breast cancer and have had surgery to treat it, click here to learn more about whether a clinical trial may be an option for you.
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References
- National Cancer Institute. Cancer Stat Facts: Female Breast Cancer Subtypes
- CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. Systemic therapy for hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative early stage and metastatic breast cancer
- American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer HER2 Status
- National Library of Medicine. Racial disparities in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment by hormone receptor and HER2 status
This article is sponsored by Lilly.
