HER2 Receptors

Receptors & Their Influence On Breast Cancer Treatment

In patients with breast cancer, a tissue sample from a biopsy is usually taken to determine if the cancer cells have receptors.

Receptors allow some types of protein and hormones to attach to the cancer cell & their presence will influence the type of treatment given to the breast cancer patient.

Protein Receptors

Tumors with high levels of receptors for the protein, HER2 are HER2 positive & may respond to the medication Herceptin (trastuzumab).

Hormone Receptors

Tumors with high levels of oestrogen receptors are ER+ (oestrogen receptor positive).
Tumors which do not have high levels of oestrogen receptors are ER- (oestrogen receptor negative).

Hormonal treatments are more likely to be effective on ER+ tumors.

Social Bookmarking