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Re: HER-2

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Posted by Shelly Blechman on 9/24/2002 from 216.117.218.7:

In reply to: HER-2 posted by Jane on 9/13/2002 from 67.243.175.14:

If you are Her2 - positive+3, that means that there is one more type of treament that you may be a candidate for and that is Herceptin. Herceptin’s targets are cancer cells that produce a protein called HER2 or HER2/neu, which occurs in high numbers in about 25 percent to 30 percent of breast cancers. Herceptin is designed to block a protein receptor called HER2 that is produced in excess amounts in some women with breast cancer.

The gene carries instructions for a protein that sits on the surface of a cell and receives signals from "growth factor" molecules. Thus the HER-2/neu gene and protein play a key role in the fundamental threat of cancer: tumor cells that grow out of control.

Normal cells carry two copies of HER-2/neu, and have a small number of the HER-2/neu protein receptors on their surfaces. But researchers found that some cancers have extra copies of the gene and an overabundance of cell surface receptors. The abnormality is not inherited; rather, it is an error acquired during the lives of some people.

Researchers developed a molecule called a monoclonal antibody that is in essence a mirror-image of the HER-2/neu receptor. When the antibody (Herceptin) attaches to the receptor, like a key fitting a lock, it prevents growth factor molecules from attaching.
Herceptin blocks the HER-2/neu receptors and thus dampens the signals telling the tumor cells to keep growing.

One strong recommendation we would like to make is that you pursue your question(s) with your own physicians. You should feel fully empowered to obtain a satisfactory answer and feel free to seek a second or third opinion.

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Shelly Blechman
Program Director
WIN Against Breast Cancer

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