HER2

[Kathy1124]

I am scheduled for lumpectomy in two weeks.  HR & PR negative....   HER2 has not been done yet.   What am I hoping for...HER2 Positive or HER2 Negative?    What does it usually mean with regards to treatment?

[margreetfrancis]

A related discussion, DCIS Hormone receptor negative was started.

[Kathy1124]

I understand that being ER & PR negative I can't use the hormone receptor drugs.  I guess my specific question is .....Is the treatment better/worse if I am HER2 positive or HER2 negative....or just different.  What am I praying for...positive or negative???

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Kathy1124,  Decisions regarding adjuvant treatment for breast cancer are based on several factors including size of tumor, lymph node status, as well as specific tumor characteristics you mention such as hormone receptor status and HER2 status.  If adjuvant therapy is recommended in your situation there are several regimens that might be used.   Treatments that would not be used are the hormone therapies that would be used to treat hormone receptive cancers.  Regarding HER2 status if positive there are medications that target the receptor which might be used in conjunction with chemotherapy, if HER2 negative these medications would not be used.  The medical oncologist would discuss the regimen best suited to you based on evaluation of the entire situation.