Aridimex in PR weakly positive case

I have IDC, Triple Negative, however, less than 1% ER is positive, 5% PR weakly positive and HER2 negative.  Will I benefit from Aridimex/Zometa? Before cancer, my blood tests revealed low estrogen levels >20, whereas it should have been >41. Is there a possibility that by taking Aridimex, I am allowing the cancer to recur. I have just finished dose dense chemo for 8 rounds, and will be doing radiation in a couple weeks.  I feel that my estrogen is already not there, then how can I be sure that taking Aridimex will not hurt me even more and cancer will recur really aggressively.  My Medical Onc. wants me to consider Aridimex/Zometa.

[japdip]

Triple negative and positive ER/PR (no matter how slight) are contradicting terms. If your Oncologist recommends Arimidex I don't see why you think it would be contraindicated. This type of drug is usually recommended when ER/PR shows positivity. Your Oncologist is the best source of information as he/she has all the necessary information regarding your particular case.   Regards ...

[bluebutterfly2222]

1. Here is some information that may clarify the consideration of using hormonal treatment even when the receptor status is not "officially positive:"

"Hormone-negative cancer will respond to other kinds of treatment, and hormone-suppression may not be needed.

Positive vs. Negative Estrogen Status:
A score of Estrogen Receptor positive (ER+) means that estrogen is causing your tumor to grow, and that the cancer should respond well to hormone suppression treatments. If the score is Estrogen Receptor negative (ER-), then your tumor is not driven by estrogen, and your results will need to be evaluated along with other tests, such as your HER2 status, to determine the most effective treatment.

Positive vs. Negative Progesterone Status:
If you get a Progesterone Receptor positive (PgR+ or PR+) score, the cancer should respond well to hormone suppression treatments. If the score is Progesterone Receptor negative (PgR- or PR-), then your tumor is not driven by progesterone, and another test is needed, for your HER2 status, to determine the most effective treatment. HER2 positive breast cancer responds well to Herceptin treatment.

When should you ask for a numerical score?:
If your hormone status tests are scored only as negative, it is good to ask your doctor for a number that indicates the actual score. Even if the number is a low one, these kind of cancers may effectively be treated with hormone therapy."

2. The combination of tamoxifen or an AI, plus Zometa, has been found to have benefit beyond the hormonal treatment alone.

It sounds as though your oncologist is offering you treatments based on some of the lastest research, but if you have any doubts about his/her recommendations, you should ask for an explanation of the reasoning involved.

Best wishes...