These very questions posed by Lola have crossed my mind numerous times. And Paul has done a stellar job of answering with much the same info I came up with.
The very fact the Herceptin works on the OUTSIDE of the cancer cells is the REASON I want to participate in the vaccine trial. (More on this later - still do not have my HLA results as of Wed eve.)
The vaccine has a way of working on the INSIDE of the cells - which is why they want to study some patients who are on BOTH Herceptin and the vaccine. Could be SO interesting!

I printed out Paul's response to hand out to some of my family members who are having a hard time with my recurrence, so hopefully they will better understand why the Herceptin is going to need a little boost. If I can reach NED again, I am going to be keeping an eagle eye on the trials, hope there'll be a study open to me!
Lots of Hugs, Lolly

Dear Steph
I agress that the trials that combine herceptin and vaccine will be interesting. Just hope they come to Australia.

love
lindaw