If you are diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer you will normally receive chemotherapy along side a targeted therapy. You can read more about HER2 on the Breast Cancer Now website.
HER2 is a protein that some breast cancers are shown to have. HER2 stands for human epidermal growth factor 2.
Testing breast cancer cells for the HER2 protein can help to show whether targeted drugs might work. . Targeted cancer drugs are treatments that change the way cells work and help the body control the growth of cancer. The drugs attach to the HER2 protein and stop the cells from growing and dividing.
Treatment for breast cancer is very individual as so many tests are now available. Treatment is decided in a large MDT (Multi Disciplinary Meeting) where each patient is discussed in detail. As well as the type of breast cancer the doctors will discuss the health of the patient and how they would cope with any treatment.
We have a page on our website that explains about the differenttests that are performed on breast cancer cells.
I do hope that this has helped answer your questions. Hopefully your breast care nurse will also help explain the reason for any treatment that you are being offered. Every case is very individual and with access to your notes your breast care nurse should be able to explain the decisions that have been reached by your doctors.
You are also very welcome to ring and chat through any of this with one of the helpline nurses. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
