Testing
for HER2/neu
is the important diagnostic methodology in the breast cancer management as women
with HER2-positive breast cancer are greatly benefited by HER2-targeted therapy such as trastuzumab
(Herceptin).
Presently the targeted HER2 therapy is expanding and few more
drugs are available which are lapatinib (Tykerb),
pertuzumab (Perjeta), and T-DM1
(Kadcyla).
As
women with HER2-positive breast
cancer are significantly benefited by HER2-targeted therapy,
it is important to test for HER2
in all breast cancers.
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the College
of American Pathologists (CAP) have
jointly updated the guidelines for HER2-testing
in breast cancer.
