HER2

What is HER2 in relation to breast cancer? Negative is good?

[BJSaws]

Her-2 stands for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2.  It is a gene mutation of cancer cells that makes them more aggressive.  It can occur in other cancers as well as breast cancer.  Until recently, it was considered a high risk for the cancer to recur.  However, a targeted therapy drug called Herceptin was developed within the last 5 (I think) years or so.  Herceptin specifically targets and destroys the Her-2 cells and reduces the risk for recurrence.  Yes, negative is good because you then would not have to take Herceptin...one less drug to deal with while fighting the disease.