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Her-2/neu Testing

Also known as: c-erbB-2
Formal name: Human epidermal growth factor receptor
Related tests: Hormone Receptor Status; Tumour markers

Common Questions

1.  Besides Her-2/neu, what other laboratory tests may my doctor request on my breast cancer tissue?

During an initial workup of invasive breast cancer, your doctor is likely to do a tissue test for hormone receptor status. A patient with a positive oestrogen and/or progesterone receptor status may find their response to endocrine or hormone therapy diminished if they are also Her-2/neu-positive, limiting that treatment option.

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2.  Does Herceptin work for everyone who is Her-2/neu positive?

Unfortunately, no. Only about one-third of patients who are positive for Her-2/neu will respond to Herceptin therapy. There are other cellular factors involved that are not well understood yet. Herceptin is sometimes combined with other chemotherapy agents to make it more effective.

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