HER2/neu

Testing for HER2 + protein is very important as it helps determine the best breast cancer treatment.

HER2/neu Overview

Reviewed: April 22, 2014
Updated: 

Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Some women have (HER2+) breast cancer. (HER2+) stands for Human Epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive. (HER2) is a special protein found on breast cancer cells that controls cancer growth and spread. HER2 testing is done to determine the best treatment.

 

Technique

Back to Top

Tumor biopsy
Blood draw

What the results mean

Back to Top

Women with HER2+ breast cancer have a more aggressive disease. They have a higher risk that the disease will return than in women who do not have this type. If the test finds the genes to be HER2+, there is a specific treatment to target this type of breast cancer.