American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What type of treatment is used for patients with HER2-amplified metastatic breast cancer?

1. Targeted therapy with monoclonal antibodies

2. Chemotherapy with taxanes

3. Hormonal therapy with tamoxifen

4. Radiation therapy

The correct answer is: Targeted therapy with monoclonal antibodies

The treatment for patients with HER2-amplified metastatic breast cancer primarily involves targeted therapy with monoclonal antibodies, specifically trastuzumab (Herceptin) and sometimes combined with other agents such as pertuzumab or lapatinib. HER2-positive breast cancer is characterized by the overexpression of the HER2 protein, which promotes the growth of cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies target this protein, blocking its signaling pathways and marking the cancer cells for destruction by the immune system. This approach is highly effective as it directly addresses the underlying molecular characteristics of the cancer, leading to improved survival rates and better overall outcomes for patients when compared to traditional chemotherapy alone. In contrast, options like chemotherapy with taxanes, hormonal therapy with tamoxifen, and radiation therapy may have roles in broader breast cancer treatment but are not the primary therapies for HER2-positive cancers specifically. Chemotherapy might be used in conjunction with targeted therapy but not as the mainstay treatment for HER2 amplification. Hormonal therapy is primarily for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, while radiation therapy is generally used for localized disease or palliative care, not targeted specifically for HER2-positive metastatic cases.