HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post

Becky · 07-24-2009, 02:57 PM

It is a test co-marketed by Genentech that measures the amount of Her2 protein. You can measure for Her2 by measuring overproduction of protein or look to see how many copies of the Her2 gene are present. Both are viable but the protein is at least showing you make too much protein (which is the go-go button). For example, perhaps you have millions more copies of the Her2 gene but if they are non-productive, then they don't make protein and it is just a mutated mutation.

Some people may disagree with me but its the protein that counts more (and it may be why Herceptin works in some women who are Her2 neg - they don't have an excessive gene count but what's there produces too much protein).

07-24-2009, 02:57 PM	#19
Becky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ Posts: 4,179	It is a test co-marketed by Genentech that measures the amount of Her2 protein. You can measure for Her2 by measuring overproduction of protein or look to see how many copies of the Her2 gene are present. Both are viable but the protein is at least showing you make too much protein (which is the go-go button). For example, perhaps you have millions more copies of the Her2 gene but if they are non-productive, then they don't make protein and it is just a mutated mutation. Some people may disagree with me but its the protein that counts more (and it may be why Herceptin works in some women who are Her2 neg - they don't have an excessive gene count but what's there produces too much protein). __________________ Kind regards Becky Found lump via BSE Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45 1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side) 2 micromets to sentinel node Stage 2A left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg lumpectomies 9/7/04 4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol Used Leukine instead of Neulasta 35 rads on right side only 4/05 started Tamoxifen Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations Oophorectomy 8/05 Started Arimidex 9/05 Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06 Arimidex Only Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia NED 18 years! Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"