HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Her2 positive for dummies - can someone explain in easy to understand terms?

Barbara H. · 11-05-2006, 06:05 PM

There are places in this forum that explain it. When I explain it to someone who has no idea what I am talking about, I say that HER2 cancers have a certain type of gene with a receptor. Herceptin has the abilty to bine to these receptors and deactivate them. The cancer therefore has difficulty growing. I use a model of two legos binding together. The lego model usually helps them understand it somewhat. I also explain that Herceptin is an antibody and not a chemo. It only targets these specific receptors and does not harm other cells that quickly divide.
Good luck,
Barbara H.

11-05-2006, 06:05 PM	#2
Barbara H. Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Newton, MA Posts: 951	There are places in this forum that explain it. When I explain it to someone who has no idea what I am talking about, I say that HER2 cancers have a certain type of gene with a receptor. Herceptin has the abilty to bine to these receptors and deactivate them. The cancer therefore has difficulty growing. I use a model of two legos binding together. The lego model usually helps them understand it somewhat. I also explain that Herceptin is an antibody and not a chemo. It only targets these specific receptors and does not harm other cells that quickly divide. Good luck, Barbara H.