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Targeted treatments for ILC?

Page last modified on: November 20, 2008
Question from Yself: Are there targeted treatments on the horizon for invasive lobular carcinoma?
Answer —Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.: Lobular carcinoma is less common than ductal carcinoma. It does appear that the prognosis of lobular carcinoma is as good as ductal carcinoma, and some studies suggest a more favorable prognosis with lobular cancers. Most lobular cancer is hormone-receptor-positive and HER negative—both factors associated with an improved prognosis. There are some uncommon forms of lobular cancer that appear to be more "active" (more rapidly dividing). Our pathologist partners are becoming more aware of the importance of telling us about those cancers. In general, the treatments that work for ductal cancers work for lobular cancers. In fact, lobular cancers, being more often hormone-receptor-positive, respond to the most proven targeted therapy of all, anti-estrogen therapy.

On Wednesday, December 20, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2006. Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about the newest research on breast cancer treatment, side effects, risk of recurrence, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer, with a a special interest in cancer survivorship, patient-physician communication, and quality of care for women with breast cancer.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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