is it ok

[shell100]

hi my mother has stage 2 breast cancer,,is it ok if she undergo herceptin drug?..she is now having her chemotherapy without herceptin
thanks..

[shell100]

hello.thanks for the iformation..
just want to ask again..my mother had her mastectomy last jan.16,2007 and i am worried because up to now it still swell...what should we do? is it threatening?

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Herceptin is an antibody specifically targeting Her2Neu receptors on the cancer cells.  The tumor can be tested for the presence of this receptor using immunostaining or a method called FISH.  If your mother is HEr2 positive, then it is better for her to receive Herceptin as this has proven to result in lesser disease recurrence and longer survival.  However, if Her2 negative, Herceptin is not warranted (as this would not have an effect on these Her2 negative tumors).  I suggest you discuss this with your oncologist, especially Her2Neu testing.  Regards and God bless...