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In those who are BRCA+ there was found to be a specific type tumor..basal cell- like...in young women who are BRCA+ the types of tumor they have is often extremely agressive,much like our Her2.
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Basal type: Most of these cancers are of the so-called "triple negative" type -- that is, they lack estrogen or progesterone receptors and have normal amounts of HER2. The gene expression patterns of these cancers are similar to cells in the deeper basal layers of breast ducts and glands. This type is more common among women with BRCA1 gene mutations. For reasons that are not well understood, this cancer is also more common among younger and African-American women.
These are high-grade cancers that tend to grow quickly and have a poor prognosis. Hormone therapy and anti-HER2 therapies like trastuzumab and lapatinib are not effective against these cancers, although chemotherapy can be helpful. A great deal of research is being done to find better ways to treat these cancers"
Christina Applegate is BRCA+ as is Melissa Etheridge (they both have come out publicly with their status.)
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