Treatment Options for Metaplastic Breast Cancer

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Mary_Louise1
Mary_Louise1 Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

As Metaplastic Carcenomia represents only 1% of Breast Cancer there are still many unanswered questions.  My tumor is triple neg, I have undergone a simple mastectomy, and have started chemo.  It is recommended that Tamoxfin and Hercepton be taken at the end of chemo.  Is it necessary to take, homone related drugs for a tumer that is triple negative?  

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited April 2012

    It is my understanding that if you are triple negative neither Tamoxifen nor Herceptin would be beneficial.  Tamoxifen is only for ER+ and Herceptin only treats Her2+.  I am a triple positive and have been receiving Herceptin since December.  I will start Tamoxifen May 1st.  If this was recommended for you I would be seeking a 2nd opinion for sure!

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  • Mary_Louise1
    Mary_Louise1 Member Posts: 4
    edited April 2012

    Thank you for responding!  Taking the drugs suggessted just doesn't make sense to me.  I hate making waves, I just want to be sure that the direction I take is the right one.  It seems there just isn't enough known about Metaplactic BC.

    Hope your doing OK! 

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  • bkglenn50
    bkglenn50 Member Posts: 138
    edited April 2012

    I am triple negative and those drugs are not for you. we can only take chemo...By the way, I just saw my onc today and I am still ned!!!Yay!!!...Brenda

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  • texasrose361
    texasrose361 Member Posts: 1,829
    edited April 2012

    whoo hoo Brenda!

    mary lousie- it doesnt make sense, you're right. You def do not want to expose yourself to some of the side effects of these medications if you will reap no benifits. Bring it up to your dr. If he insists maybe a second opinion may be in order 

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  • texasrose361
    texasrose361 Member Posts: 1,829
    edited April 2012

    BTW there is a forum specific for triple negative  cancer, lots of useful info there!!!!

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  • justjudie
    justjudie Member Posts: 3,397
    edited April 2012

    What is metaplastic breast camcer? I have not heard of that before. How does it differ from the usual breast cancer?



    Judue

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  • EnglishMajor
    EnglishMajor Member Posts: 2,495
    edited April 2012

     Sorry,can't say I know anyything re Metaplastic BC. 

     There's a Metaplastic thread on this board. A recent poster says there is also a Metaplastic FB group here: 

    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1706391290#!/groups/metaplasticbc/ 

    here's the Metaplastic thread on this board: 

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/85/topic/733529?page=5#idx_146 

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  • EnglishMajor
    EnglishMajor Member Posts: 2,495
    edited April 2012

    http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/metaplastic-carcinoma_topic9551_post96931.html

    Pls see Triple Negaive thread, Mary Louise

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  • cheryl1946
    cheryl1946 Member Posts: 1,308
    edited April 2012

    Everything I've read says these meds are not used for triple neg; you need a second opinion.

    Brenda Congrats on still being with NED!

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  • EnglishMajor
    EnglishMajor Member Posts: 2,495
    edited April 2012

    JustJudie, I had not heard of it either. 

    I guess the difference is cellular:

    Per About.com: 

    Metaplastic breast cancer is a form of invasive ductal cancer, meaning that it forms in the milk ducts and then moves into other tissues of the breast. Inside the tumors of this type of cancer are cells not normally found inside the breast, such as squamous (skin) or osseous (bone) cells. It is also known as carcinoma with metaplasia, or simply metaplastic breast cancer.

    Metaplastic sounds very much like metastatic, a more common cancer term, but the two have very different meanings. Metaplastic comes from the Greek phrase for "changed in form,'' which is why it is used to describe cells that appear to have changed into those of another part of the body. Metastatic comes from the Greek phrase for "changed in place,'' describing cancer that has spread from its original site to other areas.

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  • Mary_Louise1
    Mary_Louise1 Member Posts: 4
    edited April 2012

    I'll check out the web page for sure - Thank You everyone - it is really supportive to have other opinions of those who are enduring the same challenges.  Getting a second opinion will be hard where I reside, as we only have a small number of onc's and it is a tight community.  That being said, there is no harm in asking the necessary questions.

    The concensus from most of our local GP's is to take whatever is suggessted by your onc. He/ She knows best and as it is such a rare tumor, 'just take it' is what I have been told.  But as many of you have said, the SE's may out weigh the possible positives. 

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  • Luah
    Luah Member Posts: 1,541
    edited April 2012

    ML: There are definite side effects to both of those drugs. And I have never heard of any TN taking them unless they were weakly positive for estrogen or Her2. Your path results should show that. Definitely, ask some very pointed questions... 

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