HER2 and fish

[jeanj]

Hi all - I am new here and want to know what it means when my HER2 is positive, but my fish is not amplified - does this mean that my HER2 isn't positive? My doctor really didn't seem to explain it to me and I am still confused. Thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this for me

[Bev]

Hi Jean, I'm not sure. Sounds like you may have been positive by IHC but not fish. Try going to this site's home page. Click Her2, what is it? Then click tests and treatments. You could just try googling fish not amplified. I'm sure you'll get some interesting results. If it's a while until you see your onc, ask the nurse during your infusion. They have all your records. Mine are very good about answering my questions in an easy to understand way. Best wishes. BB

[jeanj]

Thank you Bev. I went to the links you suggested and it was very helpful - I think using FISH, I am not HER2 positive! So why do they do the first test as well? Makes me wonder if I should be here now....

Jean

[Bev]

Stick around Jean, at least for a week. I believe I have heard of some people's tumors changing characteristics. Also someone with a med backgound may see something that I'm just not getting. It might help to report more of your path report. Tumor size, node?, grade, ER, PR? Everyone is helpful, sometimes posts languish if no one is on board. We only talk about HER2 and Herceptin half the time. The rest is general info and emotional coping. I never pictured myself as a message board kind of person before BC. I just know how awful and confused you can feel at diagnosis. I can't help with the science. but it is therapuetic for me to help where I can.

[tousled1]

Jean,

There are two tests for HER-2

IHC test (IHC stands for ImmunoHistoChemestry) The IHC test shows if there is too much HER2 receptor protein in the cancer cells. The results of of the IHC test can be 0 (negative), 1+ (negatiave), 2+ (borderline), or 3+ (positive).

FISH test (FISH stands for Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization). The FISH test shows if there are too many copies of the HER2 gene in the cancer cells. The results of the FISH test can be "positive" (extra copies) or "negative" (normal number of copies).

Only cancers that test IHC "3+" or FISH "positive" will respond well to therapy that works against HER-2. An IHC 2+ test result is called borderline. If you have a 2+ result, you can and should ask to have the tissue tested with the FISH test.

[jeanj]

Thanks Bev and Kate - I meet with my oncologist on Monday 30th, so I am hoping that he will explain all to me! My surgeon didn't seem to exactly know - but naturally the Onc will, so I will discuss it with him. Thank you both for your input - much appreciated.


Jean