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bjj · 11-24-2005, 12:18 PM

Aside from having two different HER2 tests - one IHC3+ and one IHC1+ I am confused now about this issue.

My tumour is Grade 2, ER+, node negative, 16mm.

I saw my local oncologist today who is only aware of the positive result. She said that she cannot recommend Herceptin in my case. She was adamant that the risk would far outweigh the benefit., She kept quoting 5% cardiac failure at me.

She said that my prognosis was good and therefore the effect Herceptin would have would be minimal. I thought my prognosis wasn't so good now that I am HER2+++? She then went onto say that adding HER2 factor in only changed my rate of recurrence by 50% i.e if you are quote 10% rate of recurrence this is changed to 15%.

I am confused, I thought my prognosis would be significantly altered by the fact that I am HER2+.

I asked about the accuracy of the test and she said that there was no doubt in her mind that it was positive, the lab that tested had a good reputation etc etc. She implied that she wished she could say otherwise.

I am slightly concerned though (aside from test results) that no Herceptin is the right decision.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this for me?

Thanks

11-24-2005, 12:18 PM	#1
bjj Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 36	Risk of Herceptin outweighs benefit?! Aside from having two different HER2 tests - one IHC3+ and one IHC1+ I am confused now about this issue. My tumour is Grade 2, ER+, node negative, 16mm. I saw my local oncologist today who is only aware of the positive result. She said that she cannot recommend Herceptin in my case. She was adamant that the risk would far outweigh the benefit., She kept quoting 5% cardiac failure at me. She said that my prognosis was good and therefore the effect Herceptin would have would be minimal. I thought my prognosis wasn't so good now that I am HER2+++? She then went onto say that adding HER2 factor in only changed my rate of recurrence by 50% i.e if you are quote 10% rate of recurrence this is changed to 15%. I am confused, I thought my prognosis would be significantly altered by the fact that I am HER2+. I asked about the accuracy of the test and she said that there was no doubt in her mind that it was positive, the lab that tested had a good reputation etc etc. She implied that she wished she could say otherwise. I am slightly concerned though (aside from test results) that no Herceptin is the right decision. Does anyone have any thoughts on this for me? Thanks