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The main tests performed in the diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer include:
Hormone Receptors: Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors
More than half of breast cancers require the female hormone estrogen to grow, while other tumors can grow independently of its presence. Tumors that depend on this hormone produce proteins called hormone receptors, which can be estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, or both.
When hormone receptors are present in breast cancer, the patient may benefit from treatments that lower estrogen levels or block its action.
HER2 Receptors
HER2 (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2) is a protein present in about 20% of breast tumors.
The presence of HER2 identifies patients who may benefit from treatments targeting this protein, such as trastuzumab, lapatinib, pertuzumab and trastuzumab emtansine.
Ki67 Test
Ki67 indicates how fast a tumor cell multiplies – that is, it measures the speed of tumor proliferation.
Original article accessed at https://mulherconsciente.com.br/cancer-de-mama/diagnostico-positivo-exames-e-orientacoes-medicas/, last accessed on August 2022.
References:
- Breast Cancer: Diagnosis. American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/breast-cancer/diagnosis, last accessed on August 2022.