her2 Low

Hi, I have been doing some reading and have come across the category of HER2 low Breast cancer. This arises when the IHC test is 2+ and the subsequent FISH test is negative. My Consultant told me I'm HER2 negative but my IHC was 2+ and the FISH was negatve and the research has described this as being HER2 low. I will ask about this at my next appointment but can you throw some light on this meantime please. Thanks in advance. 

Midgemo 

  • Midgemo 

    this is interesting I have not heard of her2 low before will be interested in any replies here also .

    my diagnosis was also her2 negative 

    love Lara ️

  • Hi Midgemo and thanks for posting,

    There is so much research that is continually being done on breast tissue. From what I have read low HER2 Low is a recently discovered subtype.

    Some breast cancers have large amounts of a protein called HER2 receptor (human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor). They are called HER2 positive breast cancers. About 15 out of every 100 women (around 15%) with early breast cancer have HER2 positive cancer.Targeted cancer drugs such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) can work well for this type of breast cancer. These drugs attach to the HER2 protein and stop the cells growing and dividing.

    There are various tests to measure HER2 levels. IHC (immunohistochemistry) is usually done first. It involves a special staining process performed on a sample of breast cancer tissue.It’s reported as a score of 0–3. A score of 0 or 1+ means the breast cancer is HER2 negative. A score of 2+ is borderline and a score of 3+ means the breast cancer is HER2 positive.

    HER2 low is when  HER2 recepter is negative but IHC is either 1 or 2 as in your case.

    The American Cancer Society have some useful information describing HER2 low which you might find helpful to look at here

    Hopefully you will be able to go through all of this with your oncologist and find out whether it will make any difference in any treatment decisions.

    You are more then welcome to ring and chat this through with one of the nurses on the helpline. Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

    All the Best,

    Catherine