Name of the Procedure:

Estrogen Receptor (ER) and Progesterone Receptor (PR) Negative Breast Cancer Treatment
ER/PR Negative Breast Cancer Treatment

Summary

ER/PR negative breast cancer treatment involves addressing breast cancers that do not have estrogen or progesterone receptors. Unlike other types of breast cancer, these tumors do not respond to hormone therapy, and treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Purpose

The procedure addresses ER/PR negative breast cancer, which is typically more aggressive and not responsive to hormonal therapies. The primary goals are to remove or shrink the tumor, prevent metastasis, and achieve remission.

Indications

• Diagnosis of breast cancer that tests negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors.
• Rapidly growing or high-grade tumors.
• Lack of response to hormone therapies.

Preparation

• Patients may need to undergo imaging tests (e.g., mammograms, MRIs) and biopsies to confirm diagnosis.
• Blood work and other diagnostic tests to assess overall health.
• Instructions may include fasting before certain diagnostic tests or surgeries and adjusting current medications.

Procedure Description

1. Surgery:

   • Lumpectomy or Mastectomy: Removal of part or all of the breast tissue.
   • Tools: Surgical scalpel, electrocautery.
   • Anesthesia: General or local anesthesia.

2. Chemotherapy:

   • Administered intravenously or orally to kill cancer cells.
   • Tools: IV infusion pumps, oral medications.
   • Sedation: None typically required.

3. Radiation Therapy:

   • High-energy beams target the tumor site.
   • Tools: Linear accelerators.
   • Sedation: None typically required.

Duration

• Surgery: Several hours, varying with complexity.
• Chemotherapy: Sessions lasting 1-3 hours, repeated over weeks to months.
• Radiation Therapy: Sessions of about 15-30 minutes, over several weeks.

Setting

• Surgery: Hospital surgical suite.
• Chemotherapy: Hospital or outpatient clinic.
• Radiation Therapy: Specialized cancer treatment center.

Personnel

• Surgeons
• Medical oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Nurses
• Anesthesiologists

Risks and Complications

• Common surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, scarring.
• Chemotherapy risks: Nausea, hair loss, fatigue, increased infection risk.
• Radiation risks: Skin irritation, fatigue, tissue changes.
• Rare complications: Severe reactions, secondary cancers.

Benefits

• Increased survival rates.
• Potential for complete remission.
• Reduction in tumor size and prevention of spread.

Recovery

• Post-Surgery: Rest, wound care, possible drainage care, pain management.
• Post-Chemotherapy: Manage side effects, maintain hydration, nutrition.
• Post-Radiation: Skin care, managing fatigue.
• Follow-up appointments for monitoring recovery and recurrence.

Alternatives

• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Pros: Less invasive, can be tailored specifically to the cancer type.
• Cons: May not be as effective for aggressive ER/PR negative cancers.

Patient Experience

During the procedure:

• Surgery: Under anesthesia, no pain during surgery, might feel discomfort post-op.
• Chemotherapy: May experience discomfort, fatigue, and other side effects.
• Radiation Therapy: Typically painless, but may cause skin irritation.

After the procedure:

• Pain management protocols to ensure comfort.
• Support from multidisciplinary team for side effect management.
• Emotional and psychological support resources recommended.