[Barbara2]

Jean, here is something from my notes regarding a study at M.D. Anderson; March 2006 on P13K inhibitors. These findings were made in cell culture and mice studies, but were so promising that a Phase1/11 clinical trial was to start at M.D. Anderson in HER2-positive breast canacer patients whose disease had progressed despite Herceptin treatment.

"In this study, the researach group tested 7 different P13K inhibitors that are either used or under development for clinical trials. They found that one, RAD001 (everolimus), had better anititumor activity when combined with Herceptin than did Herceptin or RAD001 alone.

Another P13K inhibitor, TCN-P (triciribine), showed significant benefit when used in combination with Herceptin. Even with a low dose of TCN-P, the combination thereapy halted growth of PTEN-deficient HER-2popsitive breast tumors implanted in mice."

So, as I understand it, the PTEN marker may or may not turn out to be an indicator of response to Herceptin, in people. But some people are asking for this test. I just discovered that my onc ordered it before I started late herceptin. I recently called to see if I could have the test done, and they told me it had already been done.