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BRCA1 Research Update and Triple Negative Breast Cancer

by Karen Lynch

I’m continuing my research into the research findings I reported earlier. Here’s more information for you:

90% of breast cancers in women with BRCA1 mutations are not estrogen receptive or progesterone receptive and they test negative for an over expression in the HER2 gene — this is called a ‘triple negative’ in breast cancer speak. Triple negative breast cancer sounds worse than it is — there’s good news and bad news associated with this diagnosis.

The bad news is that HER2 negative breast cancer is thought to be particularly aggressive and ER/PR positive cancers feed on the naturally occurring hormones in your body. While there are drugs available to women who are HER2 positive (Herceptin) and ER/PR positive (Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors), there’s nothing yet for the women who is triple negative.

However, triple negative breast cancers do really well with chemotherapy. Really well.

Anyway, all this says to me … it is so important for researchers to keep up their efforts. It matters to the triple negative woman. It matters to all women.


Posted in Announcements, Genetic Testing, Research/News on December 10th, 2007

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Discussing Breast Cancer is the place for survivors, their friends and family members to turn for information that will empower them to navigate through the storm they may find themselves in before, during or after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Many of the posts are about the author's personal experience as a two time survivor. In addition, Discussing Breast Cancer is loaded with timely news and information about the disease, it's symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. It will also reference the myriad of sites, individuals and organizations that either raise money and/or awareness for the cause or in some way contribute to researching a cure or serving breast cancer survivors worldwide.

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