NYT article on HER-2 Testing

[bejuce]

The NYT published an article (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/20/health/research/20cancer.html?ref=health) today on HER-2 testing. After reading it, I got the impression that HER-2 testing can be very inaccurate.

Should we all be asking for a repeat test?

[whatz]

I know my onc used two different tests to determine Her2 status. I assume though they came from the same lab (which according to the article is also a factor).

[Rich66]

Even more disconcerting from an efficacy and reimbursement standpoint is the emerging concept(recently posted here) that breast cancer stem cells may be vulnerable to Her2 therapies regardless of test results. How do you get reimbursed for Herceptin, as suggested, for multiple years with a FISH negative result? You don't.
But..you can go after this pathway, along with EGFR, to some degree with Capsaicin and green tea.