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janet11 · 11-13-2007, 10:13 AM

I had the test for the Topo II gene and as a result, had a chemo that did NOT include an anthracycline. Turned out good for me since just having Herceptin hit my heart and I had to stop that treatment early. I hate to think what an anthracycline would have done.

However (and I discussed this with my onc), I understand that the tests with the topo II gene have only had a very few people to substantiate this theory, and simply... it may or may not be true. There's just not enough results yet and it's too early to tell for sure. However, my onc thought it was worth doing and I'm glad she did.

11-13-2007, 10:13 AM	#2
janet11 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rowlett, TX Posts: 138	I had the test for the Topo II gene and as a result, had a chemo that did NOT include an anthracycline. Turned out good for me since just having Herceptin hit my heart and I had to stop that treatment early. I hate to think what an anthracycline would have done. However (and I discussed this with my onc), I understand that the tests with the topo II gene have only had a very few people to substantiate this theory, and simply... it may or may not be true. There's just not enough results yet and it's too early to tell for sure. However, my onc thought it was worth doing and I'm glad she did. __________________ Janet in Rowlett Texas Dx July 2006 IDC 1.8cm, ER-/PR- HER2+ (FISH 7), KI67 High (60%) grade 3, TOPO II neg Aug2006: lumpectomy, SNB (4 nodes neg), Stage 1 Jan 2007: Finished 6 cycles of TCH (Taxotere, Carboplatin, Her ceptin). Then Herceptin every 3 weeks. Feb 2007: Completed Radiation May 2007: Stopped Herceptin due to low LVEF (49%) July 2007: LVEF now 44% -- starting Coreg May 2008: Heart NORMAL! Yippee.