HER2 is a protein associated with normal cell growth found in some breast tumors.

But, there is also a gray area.

If it only has some, this is labeled asHER2-low.

Person sitting on couch reading a book, wearing a headscarf after cancer treatment

Daniel Llao Calvet / Getty Images

Treatment can be targeted to this hormone receptor status.

But this approach will only be used after other approaches are tried.

The drug has two parts that work together to target cancer cells.

By targeting HER2, the treatment mainly affects cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

This approach relies on the use of cancer-killing agents.

These are injected or infused into the bloodstream and, from there, travel throughout the body.

These drugs interrupt cancer cell growth and affect other fast-growing cells in healthy tissues.

Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink tumors and help to keep cancer from returning.

Is Enhertu Chemotherapy?

Radiation

Withradiation treatment, high-energy particles disrupt breast cancer tumors.

The idea is to use these particles to destroy cancer cells.

How Does Precision Treatment Impact Outcomes?

For some, the use of Enhertu can make a big difference.

While this treatment cannot cure cancer, it can buy time and extend survival.

Summary

Targeted HER2-low breast cancer medication has provided new treatment options for those with this condition.

The medication, known as Enhertu, targets cancer cells and delivers medication to these to kill the tumors.

When the targeted treatment is given, it can extend survival for many.

2022;14(15):3774. doi:10.3390/cancers14153774

Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki for HER2-low breast cancer.

American Cancer Society.Chemotherapy for breast cancer.

American Cancer Society.Hormone therapy for breast cancer.

Cancer Research UK.Chemotherapy for breast cancer.

American Cancer Society.Radiation for breast cancer.

Cancer Research UK.Hormone therapy for breast cancer.

Enhertu.Understanding the side effects.

AstraZeneca Canada Inc.Product monograph.

National Cancer Institute.Enhertu improves survival for metastatic “HER2-low” breast cancer.