[Jean]

Lani, thank you for thinking of me and posting the informative and intersting study. We know that HER2 is associated with an estimated 20% 5-year recurrence risk. That back in 05 many early stage women advanced to later stage HER2. While others did not...would be great if the lab rats could find out what that code is. As more data becomes available we will gleen more answers and of course treatment will change. We also know that the risk of developing breast cancer increases as we get older. About 1 out of 8 invasive breast cancers are found in women younger than 45, while about 2 out of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 or older.

There is a strong correlation between lack of physical activity and obesity. A recent study from the Women’s Health Initiative found that physical activity among postmenopausal women who walked about 30 minutes per day was associated with a 20 percent reduction of breast cancer risk. However, this reduction in risk was greatest among women who were of normal weight. For these women, physical activity was associated with a 37 percent decrease in risk.

While we do all we can via life style and treatment there will always be risk factors we cannot control.
Dense breasts, race and ethnicity, our enviorment, exposure to toxins...etc.

There is a trial being conducted with just herceptin.
It will be interesting to hear about that data when it is available.

The path trastuzumab has taken is a demonstration of how progress is made. Treatment changes as evidence accumulates and new knowledge is acquired. However, the path is also a demonstration of how slow and tedious the process can be. The problem is in not knowing if and how trastuzumab will benefit different groups of patients. In the meantime I am happy to read this data that you provided....as it shows we are seeing progress!

Once Again, Thank you Lani.
jean