Breast Cancer Treatment

Hi,

My mom had breast cancer.  Through surgery her breast was removed.  After testing of tumour (measuring 5x4 cms) it is diagnosed that it was invasive duct carcinoma grade III with multifocal intraductal comedocarcinoma and lymphnode metastsis.  

Also ten out of 15 lymphnodes resected out show tumour metastasis.  The tumour cells are negative for ER, PR and show 2 to 3 + positivity for Her 2 neu.  

I want to know what is the stage of cancer? Will Chemotherapy plus Radiotherapy cure the disese (disease)? What are the chances of survival and how many number of years.  

Many thanks for your help.  

Best regards

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Based on the data given, your mother has T2pN3Mx or at least stage IIIC breast cancer.  The Mx status will be changed to either M0 or M1 once the results of the metastatic work-ups are available.  
Adjuvant treatment in the form of systemic therapy and radiotherapy will be done in order to eliminate or decrease the chances of recurrences (local or distant recurrence) and thus improve survival.  Fortunately, there are many options for systemic chemotherapy, involving targeted therapy in combination with conventional chemotherapy.  
Treatment options should be discussed further with your mom’s oncologist.
Good luck.

[VM79]

Thanks Dennis!  Doctor here has advised Chemotherapy TCH (4 C and 4 T) with Radiotherapy.  Further, we have been told to get 'Fish' test done to determine positivity for 'Her 2 neu' based on which need for giving herceptin would be determines.  

Can you please let me know:

1) What does 'Her 2 neu' signify?  Does it means something serious?

2) In mom's case is 'H' medicine of TCH recommended or it can only be determined after the 'Fish' test.  

3) Is the TCH medicine standard across the world or quality depends upon Company to Company.  

Anything else which we need to cautious about or pay special attention.  

Many thanks for all the help.

Best regards,

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Your mother will be given TCH chemotherapy (docetaxel, carboplatin, trastuzumab).  The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) lists this regimen in the trastuzumab containing regimen for adjuvant chemotherapy.  
Her 2 Neu amplification or overexpression is one of the poor prognostic factors in breast cancer.  
You mentioned in your previous post that the IHC result of your mother is 2+ to 3+.  A 2+ result needs confirmatory examination through FISH testing.  On the other hand, a 3+ result does not need confirmation by FISH testing.  Perhaps your mother’s doctor wants to be sure if your mother has indeed amplification or overexpression of the Her2 gene.  If amplified, trastuzumab (herceptin) will be of benefit to her.