Final answer:
The prognosis is typically better for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers due to their responsiveness to hormonal therapy, whereas HER2/neu-positive breast cancers are more aggressive but can be effectively treated with targeted therapies like Herceptin and Lapatinib.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing the prognosis for estrogen/progesterone receptor positive breast cancers to those that are HER2/neu positive, typically the prognosis is better for hormone receptor-positive cancers. Hormone receptor-positive breast cancers often grow more slowly and are more likely to respond to hormonal therapy, making them more amenable to treatment. On the other hand, HER2/neu-positive breast cancers tend to be more aggressive and grow faster, but targeted therapies like Herceptin (trastuzumab) can significantly improve outcomes when used in combination with chemotherapy.
Through targeted therapy regimens, the overall survival rate of patients with metastatic breast cancer that is HER2/neu-positive has improved. This is due to the use of drugs such as Herceptin and Lapatinib, which specifically inhibit HER2 and thus reduce tumor growth. In conclusion, although HER2/neu-positive cancers may be more aggressive, the advent of targeted therapies has improved the prognosis for this subtype.