Does HER2-targeted therapy treat breast cancer?

HER2 is a protein that can send growth signals to breast cancer cells. In HER2-positive disease, medicines designed to block that signal may slow or destroy cancer cells. HER2 status is determined from tumour tissue using laboratory testing; it is not decided from symptoms, breast size, or how a lump feels.

Treatment planning also considers whether the cancer is confined to the breast, involves nearby nodes, or has spread elsewhere, along with hormone-receptor results, previous treatment, heart health, and general wellbeing. HER2-targeted therapy may be combined with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone treatment when appropriate.

Ask your oncology team for the written HER2 result and an explanation of what it means for your treatment plan. Discuss the medicine selected, how it is given, the expected schedule, and how response will be checked. Tell the team about heart disease, breathlessness, pregnancy, allergies, and all medicines or supplements. Report new symptoms during treatment so the team can assess them early.

During treatment, seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, facial swelling, or a sudden severe allergic-type reaction. Contact your oncology team promptly for new swelling, rapid weight change, persistent cough, palpitations, fever, or worsening fatigue. These symptoms can have different causes, but some require a treatment review or heart and lung assessment.

Ask whether your tumour is HER2-positive, which test established that result, and whether the result is clear or needs clarification. Ask how targeted therapy fits with surgery or other medicines, what monitoring is planned, and which symptoms should be reported between visits.