What is the Difference between HER2 Positive and Her2 Negative Breast Cancer?

 

Breast cancer is a scary diagnosis, and scrolling through the whirlwind of information that follows can be overwhelming. One term you might encounter is HER2 status, which plays a crucial role in understanding your specific type of cancer and how it will be treated. But what exactly is HER2, and how does it differentiate between positive and negative breast cancer? Worry not, because we're here to break it down for you in a clear and concise way.

 



 

Her2 Positive Breast Cancer vs Her2 Negative Breast Cancer

Before understanding the main difference between the two let’s try to understand what is basically Her2. 

 

HER2

Imagine your body as a complex city, and your cells are like individual buildings. Each building has specific instructions for growth and function. HER2, short for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. It is a protein that acts like a cell surface receptor which receives signals from outside the cell that tell it to grow and divide. In normal amounts, HER2 is essential for healthy cell development.

 

When HER2 Becomes Overactive

However, sometimes things go awry. In some breast cancers, the HER2 gene becomes amplified, leading to an overproduction of HER2 proteins on the cell surface. This creates a situation akin to a faulty instruction manual in our cellular city. The overactive HER2 signals cause the cancer cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming tumors.

 

HER2 Testing

If you're diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor will likely recommend a HER2 test. This test analyzes a sample of your tumor tissue to determine its HER2 status. There are two main methods used:

 

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

This test assigns a score based on the amount of HER2 protein detected on the cell surface. Scores can range from 0 to 3+. A score of 0 or 1+ indicates HER2-negative, while a score of 3+ suggests HER2-positive.

 

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)

This test directly assesses HER2 gene amplification. It's often used for equivocal IHC results (score of 2+) to confirm HER2 status.

 

Difference between HER2 Positive and Her2 Negative Breast Cancer

Now that we understand HER2 and the testing process, let’s differentiate between HER2-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer:

 

Growth Rate

HER2-positive breast cancers tend to be more aggressive, meaning they grow and spread faster than HER2-negative cancers.

 

Prognosis

While a HER2-positive diagnosis might sound daunting, it's important to remember that medical advancements have significantly improved the outlook for these patients.

 



 

Treatment Options

HER2-positive cancers are susceptible to targeted therapies that specifically block the overactive HER2 protein, hindering the cancer's growth. These targeted therapies, when used in conjunction with chemotherapy and surgery tend to significantly improve the treatment outcomes for HER2-positive breast cancer.

 

Risk Factors

While the exact reasons behind HER2 positivity are not entirely clear, some studies suggest a correlation with younger age, non-Hispanic white or Hispanic ethnicity, and a lack of hormone receptor positivity (estrogen and progesterone receptors).

 

A Glimpse of Hope: HER2-Low

Recent research has identified a category known as HER2-low breast cancer. These cancers have some HER2 protein expression but not enough to be classified as definitively HER2-positive. While the optimal treatment approach for HER2-low is still under investigation, some studies suggest targeted therapies might benefit some patients in this category.

 



 

Conclusion

It’s really important to understand Her2 status for crafting an effective treatment plan. HER2-positive breast cancer, while initially concerning, comes with targeted therapies that significantly improve the prognosis. Early detection and a personalized treatment approach are important factors to overcoming breast cancer. Don't hesitate to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. They are your partner in this journey, and if you trust them enough to share everything related to your problem then you can overcome this hurdle.

 

FAQs

1. What is HER2?

HER2 is a protein on the surface of breast cancer cells that can fuel faster growth.

 

2. How do I know if my breast cancer is HER2-positive?

A doctor will perform a HER2 test, usually on a sample of your tumor tissue, to determine if your cancer is HER2-positive or negative.

 

3. Does HER2-positive mean my cancer is worse?

HER2-positive cancers tend to be more aggressive. Worry not, because there are highly effective targeted therapies available. These therapies specifically target the HER2 protein and can lead to better health outcomes.

 

4. I received a HER2-low diagnosis. What does that mean?

HER2-low is a category where there's some HER2 protein expression, but not enough to be definitively positive. Research on the optimal treatment approach for HER2-low is ongoing, but targeted therapies might be beneficial for some patients.