[RobinP]

To date there is no indication whatsoever that the serum her2 test would benefit early stage her2+ patients breast cancer patients. If the level was normal, this would not contraindicate a need for aggressive chemotherapy, herceptin and adjuvant treatment, as shedding of her2 into the serum at levels of concern may not occur in early disease process. If positive her2 serum tests results occur in early stage her2 bc, there would be no change in the aggressive treatment that would normally be offered to early stage her2+ treatment. Therefore, there really is no Routine need to test her2 serum level in women who are diagnosed with early stage her2+ BREAST CANCER.
From an RN who has studied this issue.
PS. Years ago, I had my serum level tested for her2 prior to adjuvant Herceptin. The result was
negative but in no way did that alter my decision to recieve Herceptin.