Patricia (68 years old)

Patricia is the 68-year-old retired gardener of a fairy tale castle. She loves roses and grows 60 different kinds in her huge garden. Five months ago, HER2-positive breast cancer was diagnosed.

Assessment summary

• Postmenopausal
• No relevant medical history
• ECOG PS: 0
• Initial tumour assessment:
  • Tumour stage: cT2 (32 mm), cN0, cM0
  • Tumour biology: ER 90%, PgR 80%, HER2 IHC 3+, G2
• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and anti-HER2 therapy refused by patient (insisted on primary surgical therapy)
• Surgical therapy: breast conserving surgery + SLNB
  • Tumour stage: pT2 (35 mm), pN0 (0/3 sn)
• Adjuvant chemotherapy: anthracycline/taxane-based chemotherapy + trastuzumab every 3 weeks
• Today: 4 cycles anthracycline and 12 cycles paclitaxel received 
  • Mild polyneuropathy, no other relevant side effects
  • Radiation therapy will start, the patient asks how the systemic therapy will continue