HER2

HER2 or Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ERBB2 gene. HER2 is a member of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER/EGFR/ERBB) family. Amplification or over-expression of this gene has been shown to play an important role in the development and progression of certain aggressive types of breast cancer.

Function

In normal cells, HER2 controls aspects of cell growth and division. However, when the HER2 gene is mutated, cells can grow and divide in an uncontrolled way, leading to the development of cancer.

Role in Cancer

HER2 is found in excessive amounts on the surface of some cancer cells, including some types of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, and other solid tumors. These cancers are often referred to as "HER2-positive" and they tend to be more aggressive than other types of cancer.

HER2 Testing

HER2 testing is used to determine if a breast cancer is HER2-positive. This is important because HER2-positive breast cancers can be treated with drugs that specifically target the HER2 protein, such as trastuzumab and pertuzumab.

Treatment

HER2-positive cancers are typically treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In addition, targeted therapies that specifically attack the HER2 protein, such as trastuzumab and pertuzumab, are often used.

See Also

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Stomach cancer
• HER2 testing
• Trastuzumab
• Pertuzumab

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