HER2 Status

Hello,

I have read many stories here and they are very encouraging. Does anyone know if you HER2 status can change during its life? Is it the case that once you know you are HER2+, it will always be that way?


Thanks

JOhn

[RobinP]

Sure can change John. That's why serum her2 test is so important in the evaluation of treatment for patients that have MBC;know if they need herceptin or not. See Joe's article her serum test. Also, think how many initial pathologies are misread that we never know about, with those thinking that they were her- when they were all along her2+ . Then again, some her- initial tumors may evolve and change to positive on their own; this is currrently a great area research interest.

[al from Canada]

I have to concur with Robin,s assessment that HER2 status often upregulates especially after Hormonal therapy or dose-dense chemo. Cancer has proven to be a VERY sneaky opponent with numerous pathways to plug into when assualted. IE, cross-talk between ER and HER2 may upgrulate HER2 if the cancer is being killed by ER therapy. Likewise, if you are HER2+ and ER+ and on herceptin, you may find that ER become up-regulated. The delimma that I think many HER2 - MBC patients face is is what is the HER2 status of the mets and how do we test for it, while the least invasive method is fine-needle asperation.

The readers digest version.....if you develop MBC, don't make the assumption that HER2 status is the same as the primary tumor,,,that one could cost you dearly.
Regards,
Al