HER-2 is a protein that acts as a receptor for cellular growth factors and is located on the cell membrane. Therefore, is considered a membrane receptor.
The protein can be overexpressed in approximately 25% of breast cancer cases. In these cases, one of the stimuli for the excessive proliferation of tumor cells results from the binding of growth factors to receptors, which are increased in number in these cells.
Currently, there are medications capable of blocking the cell growth-stimulating action of the protein receptor. Among these medications are trastuzumab and lapatinib. Thus, it is essential for women with breast cancer to undergo testing to check for increased expression of the HER-2 receptor, allowing the identification of candidates for treatment with these medications.
The test for diagnosing increased expression of HER-2 receptors is performed by microscopic analysis of a tumor fragment, using the immunohistochemistry or FISH technique.
To learn more about breast cancer treatment, consult the “Breast Cancer” section.
