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HER-2/neu

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Posted 9/2/2005 12:25 PM (GMT 0)

Does eveyone know that there is a BLOOD test to monitor therapy for HER-2-nue positive breast cancer? This seems to be a BIG SECRET.  Labs like quest can do the test.

Posted 9/2/2005 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
Darla,
What does this test do? Does it monitor whether or not herceptin is working?
Thanks,
Michelle
Posted 9/3/2005 12:18 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, the blood test does monitor if herceptin is working. In real time. First the tissue has to be biopsied and tested for HER2. The blood test cannot test the tissue. But after treatment starts, whether it's herceptin or not, it monitors treatment for effectiveness.

Amazing, isn't it? It is actually SPECIFIC for HER2, not like cancer markers blood tests.

Posted 9/6/2005 12:34 PM (GMT 0)
Darla, Many of us like myself are farther out from diagnosis and the information would not apply to us. If you had an N/A non applicable I would be able to vote, I am sure this is helpful to some of our newer group. Thanks, MK
Posted 9/6/2005 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
The test is not diagnostic. It is to monitor therapy, specific to HER2 positive patients.
Thanks.
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