Recurrent or metastatic breast cancer
Treatment options in Shanghai

Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 results help guide breast cancer treatment. Their status can differ between the original cancer and a recurrence. That is why clinicians may recommend retesting suitable new tissue rather than carrying forward a label from years ago. Ask for the actual results and the method used, including additional testing when the HER2 assessment is uncertain. “HER2 negative” on a brief summary may not preserve the detail needed for every later drug discussion. A changed result needs interpretation by the oncology and pathology teams; it is not a reason to choose a new medicine independently.

Local or regional recurrence may lead to discussion of further local treatment together with systemic treatment, depending on the earlier operation, radiation and present extent. Distant disease generally requires a systemic plan directed at cancer throughout the body, with local treatments used for selected purposes. Previous medicines, duration of benefit, side effects, organ function and patient priorities remain relevant even when receptors are unchanged. Ask what the biopsy changes in practice and what treatment would be proposed if it cannot safely be obtained. A foreign guideline or drug listing does not establish Chinese approval or availability for the individual situation.

After recurrence, a fresh sample can align treatment with the cancer you have now rather than a report from years ago. The breast specialists at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center connect pathology and imaging with surgery, medical oncology and radiotherapy. Bringing old and new pathology and complete scans to Shanghai lets you discuss the most informative biopsy site, whether ER, PR and HER2 need repeating and how new results might change care.