[Becky]

I saw the original study given by the researcher at ASCO 2006. Both the original presentation and the published results (read all the articles published on the board right now including the one on Articles of Interest posted by Mgarr (Mary)). Taxol gives benefit for all Her2+ patients REGARDLESS of hormone status. In the actual presentation of results, the difference in benefit between Her2+ patients that are hormone negative versus hormone positive was not significant, therefore the results of benefit are the same.

Because of seeing this paper firsthand, when Stage 1 women ask whether they should include taxol (as in the past many stage 1 women only receive 4 AC treatments followed by Herceptin), I have posted this original study stating, if given a choice, take the taxol too - it is the KEY ingredient.

Secondly - I believe this is why the TCH treatment works just as well as the AC followed by TH. It is the Taxol that is the more important chemo! More true research needs to be done to confirm this or more time needs to pass on current studies and long term results but I believe they will find that taxanes are key for Her2+ disease (regardless of hormone status) and for triple negative disease.