Topic overview

Start with the big picture

HR⁺/HER2⁻, HER2⁺, and triple-negative breast cancers have distinct treatment implications, so receptor status is central to therapy selection. Staging combines TNM assessment with HR and HER2 status; systemic adjuvant treatment is often considered for tumors at least T2 or with nodal involvement. The lesson connects subtype and stage to treatment approaches, including anti-HER2 therapy, anthracycline–taxane chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and targeted options for metastatic disease. It also surveys important safety issues: cardiotoxicity with anthracyclines and trastuzumab, bone-health monitoring with aromatase inhibitors, and toxicities associated with taxanes and newer agents. Supportive-care topics include antiemetic and G-CSF prophylaxis.