Hello, this is Nurse Home Fit, here to help you recover your daily life.
Today, we will learn about one of the types of breast cancer, HER2.
What is HER2?
HER2 is a protein located on the surface of cells that helps regulate cell growth and division.
While it exists in normal cells, in some breast cancers, HER2 is overexpressed, which promotes the growth of cancer cells.
This type is called HER2-positive breast cancer, and it accounts for about 20% of all breast cancer cases.
HER2-positive breast cancer tends to grow and spread faster than other types.
However, with the development of targeted therapies, treatment outcomes have significantly improved.
Treatment Methods for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
The primary treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer is a combination of targeted therapy against the HER2 protein and chemotherapy.
Here are some general guidelines, which should be taken as light references:
First-Line Treatment
- A regimen combining trastuzumab (Herceptin), pertuzumab (Perjeta), and the chemotherapy drug docetaxel is recommended. This combination works by inhibiting cancer cell growth and activating the immune system to attack the cancer.
Second-Line Treatment
- If the cancer progresses after first-line treatment, drugs like trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla) or the recently developed Enhertu (Trastuzumab Deruxtecan) are used. Enhertu has shown effectiveness even in metastatic HER2-positive and low-expressing breast cancers, establishing itself as a new standard treatment.
Other Treatments
- Enhertu is also used for patients with low HER2 expression, offering new hope to those who previously had limited treatment options.
Exercise Methods for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients
Exercise is crucial for breast cancer patients for both physical recovery and improving quality of life.
Here are appropriate exercises for each stage after surgery and treatment:
Early Post-Surgery (1-3 weeks)
- Neck and Shoulder Exercises: Slowly turn your neck from side to side or rotate your shoulders gently.
- Arm Lifts: Interlace your fingers and slowly lift your hands above your head.
- Breathing Exercises: Practice diaphragmatic breathing to strengthen your cardiopulmonary function.
Recovery Phase (After 3 weeks)
- Stretching Exercises: Perform movements to stretch the chest muscles and shoulders to improve flexibility.
- Strength Training: Use light dumbbells (1kg) to strengthen your arm muscles.
- Circulation Exercises: Engage in brisk walking or light cycling to promote blood circulation.
Exercise Precautions
- Stop immediately and consult your healthcare provider if you experience pain.
- Avoid overexertion and gradually increase intensity according to your condition.
- It is recommended to exercise with a trainer who has professional knowledge.
In Conclusion
HER2-positive breast cancer was once considered a poor prognosis condition, but with various targeted therapies and management methods, survival rates and quality of life have greatly improved.
Appropriate exercise not only aids physical recovery but also contributes significantly to mental well-being.
We send our best wishes to all patients fighting breast cancer and their supportive caregivers.
We hope today's post has been helpful.