immunotherapy for her2-positive breast cancer

Release time ：Dec-21,2024

Immunotherapy offers a promising treatment option for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. This approach stimulates the patient's immune system to identify and target cancer cells, particularly those that overexpress the HER2 protein.

Upon detailed examination, immunotherapy encompasses various strategies, including monoclonal antibodies, cytokine therapy, and cancer vaccines. Monoclonal antibodies like trastuzumab (Herceptin) bind to the HER2 protein, inhibiting its ability to fuel cancer cell growth and tagging these cells for immune system detection and destruction. Cytokine therapy boosts specific immune system cytokines to amplify the immune response. Cancer vaccines are designed to provoke an immune response against particular tumor cells.

Despite its potential, immunotherapy carries risks. It can lead to side effects such as fatigue, fever, nausea, and more severe autoimmune reactions. Consequently, patients should consider immunotherapy under a physician's guidance to ensure that the treatment aligns with their individual health status and therapeutic requirements.

For HER2-positive breast cancer patients, in addition to professional medical care, maintaining healthy lifestyle practices is crucial. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, abstaining from smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. Regular health check-ups, vigilant monitoring of any condition changes, and prompt reporting to healthcare providers are essential. Prior to using any medication, it is imperative to adhere to medical instructions and avoid self-medicating without proper guidance.