Renowned actress Shannen Doherty recently shared the devastating news that her stage four breast cancer has spread to her brain. In January 2020, scans confirmed the progression of the disease, corroborating earlier reports of its return in late 2020. With unwavering candor, Ms. Doherty opened up about her diagnosis and documented intimate moments with her medical team as they prepared for radiation treatments utilizing powerful X-rays to combat the cancer cells. She courageously shed light on the realities of cancer, showcasing the challenges she faced due to severe claustrophobia during treatment.
Breast cancer affects approximately 264,000 women and 2,400 men annually in the United States, with incidence rates on the rise. Specialists suggest that declining fertility rates and delayed motherhood contribute to the recent 0.5% annual increase in breast cancer cases. It is noteworthy that brain metastases, where cancer spreads to the brain, occur in only 10-15% of breast cancer patients.
Survival rates for breast cancer patients with brain metastases currently stand at just over two years, showing improvement over the past two decades. Shannen Doherty, aged 52, has had a tumultuous relationship with cancer. Her battle began in 2015 with a diagnosis of breast cancer, already present in her lymph nodes and likely in stage two or three. Despite mastectomy and various treatments, it was not until 2017 that she announced her cancer was in remission.
On Tuesday, Ms. Doherty revealed that a recent CT scan had uncovered brain metastases. While she did not specify the aggressive form of cancer she is fighting, those with HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer are at higher risk. HER2-positive breast cancer refers to the overexpression or amplification of the HER2 protein, causing uncontrolled growth and damage to surrounding tissues. Triple-negative breast cancer, representing 10-15% of cases, lacks HER2 and estrogen receptors.
Treatment options for stage four cancer often involve chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and potentially surgery for select cases. Ms. Doherty has undergone radiation therapy, a common approach in cancer treatment. Brain cancer presents unique challenges due to its ability to breach the blood-brain barrier, limiting the effectiveness of certain treatments like chemotherapy. Radiation, including X-rays or proton radiation, can be successful in treating recurring or metastatic brain cancer.
Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), typically administered over several weeks, is the standard treatment for breast cancer that has spread to the brain. While WBRT can add approximately six months to a patient’s life expectancy, its efficacy is limited. Before treatment, a thermoplastic mask is custom-fitted to the patient’s face, ensuring stability during the sessions. Despite the essential nature of the procedure, Ms. Doherty’s severe claustrophobia made it a traumatic experience, which she bravely shared with her audience.
Shannen Doherty’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by cancer patients and the importance of early detection and effective treatment. Her journey not only sheds light on the impact of breast cancer but also highlights the resilience and strength required to confront the disease head-on.
