Her1 and Her2 ?

[Sandy H]

Does anyone know if a person can be Her1 and Her2 at the same time? I am asking for a friend. I bet I will hear from Steph as she is always on top of these and I bet she will know. I may have known at one time but with chemo brain its gone. hugs, Sandy

[Lani]

one can have any combination or permutation of the four ie, -+++, -++-,
+--+, +-+-, -+-+. etc. Assuming one is her2+ that leaves three other "hers" that can be + or - . Her4 positivity is actually associated with a better prognosis (vs her 1, her2 or her3). Lapatinib works vs. her1 and her2 but does not require one to be both. In fact they hope it will work for those who are her1 but not her2. Her1 (also known as EGFR or ERBB1) is the target of the oral drugs (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) Iressa and Tarceva and of the monoclonal antibody Erbitux (of Martha Stewart fame) There are monoclonal antibodies underdevelopment that target her 3 and her2, etc.

Hope this helps!

[mamacze]

Lani,
Thank you because you have helped not only Sandy but the rest of us as well. After the ASCO conference, I would have guessed that Tykerb targeted only Her 1 and indications for use would occur when our body's become Her 2 resistant. You have set me straight and I thank you.
Love Kim from CT

[alw]

Thank you so much, Lani.

One additional question for anyone that may know the answer. Can someone be positive for only one Growth Factor (-+--)? or is it always the case that one works in conjunction with another.

Regards.

Amy

[Sandy H]

Thanks Lani, now I remember this. Just so much to remember and my brain gets so full like a computer. Another reason for loving this board. hugs, Sandy