HER2 testing recommendations in Australia.
HER2 is the target of a new treatment for metastatic breast cancer using the humanised monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin). Since only around 20% of breast cancers carry the overexpressed HER2 receptor protein to which this treatment is directed, patient selection is very important in determining eligibility for the drug. Currently, immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridisation are the main tests used for HER2 detection, and these testing recommendations have been developed based on national and international data.
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Tissue Pathology Department, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia. michaelb@icpmr.wsahs.nsw.gov.au
D000465:Algorithms; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001315:Australia; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000556:secondary; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D000068878:Trastuzumab
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases; D000068878:Trastuzumab