Does HER2 status have prognostic or predictive value in breast cancer?
• A: HER2 is recognized as an important predictive and prognostic factor in breast cancer.9,13 HER2 gene amplification is a permanent genetic change that results in the continuous overexpression of the HER2 receptor (HER2 protein).8,18 Several studies have shown that HER2 overexpression (either extra copies of the gene itself, or an excess amount of the gene’s protein product) is associated with decreased overall survival.19,21 HER2 status is predictive of a response to Herceptin.1 In clinical trials, in patients with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer, Herceptin achieved significant survival benefits when used first-line in combination with chemotherapy until disease progression.1,3 A retrospective analysis of 660 of 691 (96%) patients enrolled in the clinical studies (whose tumors scored 2+ or 3+ by IHC) suggested that the beneficial treatment effects were greatest in patients whose tumors tested FISH+.1 Median survival increased to 26.2 months for FISH+ patients receiving Hercep
• A: HER2 is recognized as an important predictive and prognostic factor in breast cancer.6,8 HER2 gene amplification is a permanent genetic change that results in the continuous overexpression of the HER2 receptor (HER2 protein).5,10 Several studies have shown that HER2 overexpression (either extra copies of the gene itself, or an excess amount of the gene’s protein product) is associated with decreased overall survival.11,13 HER2 status is predictive of a response to Herceptin.1 In clinical trials, in patients with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer, Herceptin achieved significant survival benefits when used first-line in combination with chemotherapy until disease progression.1,3 A retrospective analysis of 660 of 691 (96%) patients enrolled in the clinical studies (whose tumors scored 2+ or 3+ by IHC) suggested that the beneficial treatment effects were greatest in patients whose tumors tested FISH+.1 Median survival increased to 26.2 months for FISH+ patients receiving Hercept
