What does HER2/neu negative mean?

When a breast cancer is HER2-negative, it means that the cancerous cells do not contain high levels of the protein HER2. There are many treatment options available for this type of breast cancer, but the outlook can vary.

Is HER2-negative better than positive?

HER2-positive cancer tends to be poorer in terms of prognosis than HER2-negative cancer because: It grows faster. It is more likely to spread to the lymph nodes fast. It is at least two times more likely to return than HER2-negative tumors.

What does HER2/neu status indicate?

HER2 (or HER2/neu) stands for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The job of HER2 is to control a protein on the surface of cells that helps them grow. If the HER2 gene changes, it may help a tumour grow. Healthy cells have 2 copies of the HER2 gene.

What is neu in breast cancer?

A protein involved in normal cell growth. HER2/neu may be made in larger than normal amounts by some types of cancer cells, including breast, ovarian, bladder, pancreatic, and stomach cancers. This may cause cancer cells to grow more quickly and spread to other parts of the body.

Can HER2-negative become positive?

Research has shown that some breast cancers that are HER2-positive can become HER2-negative over time. Likewise, a HER2-negative breast cancer can become HER2-positive over time.

What does a negative FISH test mean?

FISH testing usually returns one of two results: positive or negative. Positive means your breast cancer cells make too much HER2 and your doctor should treat you with drugs that target that protein. Negative means the protein isn’t involved in the growth of your tumor.

Can HER2-positive become negative?

Can HER2 positive become negative?

What is the difference between triple negative and HER2 positive?

With this in mind, you may also be tested for progesterone and estrogen receptors. Triple-negative breast cancers are negative for HER2, estrogen, and progesterone, while triple-positive breast cancers are positive for all three.