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Cyriac Blonz (Oncologist)
Sad news for Shannen Doherty fans: the American actress died this weekend from metastatic breast cancer, after several years of battling the disease. How does breast cancer reach this stage? Explanations from Dr. Cyriac Blonz, an oncologist at the Confluent Private Hospital in Nantes.
The oldest will have known her playing the role of Jenny, in The Little House On The Prairie or Brenda’s, in Beverly Hills, 90210. She also played the witch Prue in Charmed. Shannen Doherty, an American actress known for her various roles, had been affected by breast cancer since 2015.
Died at the age of 53 from the disease
His press officer confirmed the sad news to the media outlet People.It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of battling the disease.” wrote Leslie Sloane in a press release.
Her breast cancer diagnosis was made almost ten years ago, in 2015. Two years later, she declared herself in remission. Unfortunately, she suffered a relapse in 2020. By the end of last year, in November 2023, the disease had progressed, with metastases affecting her bones. A few months earlier, in June, tumor cells had also reached her brain.
Breast cancer is a cancer that is generally diagnosed early. It is then treated while it is located within the mammary gland. Sometimes, cancer cells migrate and circulate through the blood and lymph, to affect other parts of the body. This is called metastasis. They generally appear several years after the initial diagnosis.
The three main types of cancer – Her2+, RH+ and triple-negative – are potential sources of metastasis.Each type of cancer has its own tropism, namely a tendency to develop in a specific organ. Breast cancer will preferentially metastasize to the bones, lungs, liver or even the brain, for example.” describes Dr. Blonz, oncologist.
- Metastases located in the bones can thus create nocturnal bone pain, and even be responsible for fractures;
- Advanced lung metastases can cause shortness of breath;
- Liver metastases can cause jaundice, also called icterus;
- And finally, brain metastases can cause severe headaches.
How is breast cancer treated at this time?We then carry out a complete extension assessment, which is like a complete photograph of the body at time T, to take stock of the disease. This initial assessment will serve as a reference for the rest of the treatment.” explains the oncologist.
The patient then returns for a consultation approximately every three months: imaging tests are carried out to check the progress of the disease and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
Breast cancer treatment at this stage”is no longer curative since we know that we cannot cure someone who has metastases. It has two objectives: to slow down the progression of the disease and to control its symptoms so that the patient can live with it for as long as possible and in the best conditions.” the specialist continues.
Treatment varies depending on several factors: the type of initial tumor (HER2+, HR, triple-negative), whether it is recurrent, the speed of spread of metastases, the general condition of the patient, etc. It will then be regularly readjusted depending on their response to the treatment and possible side effects.
Finally, the prognosis for patients with metastatic breast cancer is much less favorable than when the cancer is localized. The 5-year survival rate is 20%, compared to 80 to 90% for localized cancer.