What is the systemic therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer?

The systemic therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2-positive) breast cancer is trastuzumab. This medication is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the HER2 receptor, which is overexpressed in a subset of breast cancer patients. By binding to the HER2 protein, trastuzumab inhibits tumor growth and promotes the destruction of cancer cells.

Trastuzumab is an essential part of the treatment regimen for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, as it has been shown to significantly improve overall survival rates and reduce the risk of disease recurrence. It is often used in combination with chemotherapy to enhance therapeutic efficacy.

In the context of treatment options, chemotherapy is typically used alongside trastuzumab in this scenario, but it does not specifically target the HER2 receptor. Radiation therapy plays a role in local treatment but is not a systemic therapy, and surgery alone may not be sufficient for managing this type of breast cancer due to the potential for metastasis and the need for systemic control of HER2-positive cells. Thus, trastuzumab stands out as the cornerstone of systemic therapy specifically addressing HER2-positive breast cancer.