What HER2 FISH Testing for Breast

HER2 FISH Testing for Breast Cancer

HER2 FISH testing is a laboratory test that measures the number of copies of the HER2 gene in breast cancer cells. The HER2 gene is responsible for producing a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). HER2 is a type of growth factor receptor that is found on the surface of some breast cancer cells. When HER2 is activated, it sends signals to the inside of the cell that tell the cell to grow and divide.

HER2 FISH testing is used to determine if a breast cancer is HER2-positive or HER2-negative. HER2-positive breast cancers have a higher number of copies of the HER2 gene than HER2-negative breast cancers. HER2-positive breast cancers are more likely to grow and spread quickly, and they are more likely to be resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

HER2 FISH testing is performed on a sample of breast cancer tissue. The tissue sample is treated with a fluorescent dye that binds to the HER2 gene. The number of fluorescent signals in the cell is then counted under a microscope. If there are more than a certain number of fluorescent signals, the breast cancer is considered to be HER2-positive.

HER2 FISH testing is an important tool for determining the best treatment for breast cancer. HER2-positive breast cancers can be treated with targeted therapies that block the HER2 protein. These targeted therapies can improve the prognosis for women with HER2-positive breast cancer.

How is HER2 FISH testing performed?

HER2 FISH testing is performed on a sample of breast cancer tissue. The tissue sample is treated with a fluorescent dye that binds to the HER2 gene. The number of fluorescent signals in the cell is then counted under a microscope. If there are more than a certain number of fluorescent signals, the breast cancer is considered to be HER2-positive.

What does a HER2 FISH test result mean?

A HER2 FISH test result can be either positive or negative. A positive result means that the breast cancer has a high number of copies of the HER2 gene and is considered to be HER2-positive. A negative result means that the breast cancer has a low number of copies of the HER2 gene and is considered to be HER2-negative.

What are the implications of a HER2 FISH test result?

HER2 FISH test results can have important implications for the treatment of breast cancer. HER2-positive breast cancers are more likely to grow and spread quickly and are more likely to be resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, HER2-positive breast cancers can be treated with targeted therapies that block the HER2 protein. These targeted therapies can improve the prognosis for women with HER2-positive breast cancer.

What are the limitations of HER2 FISH testing?

HER2 FISH testing is a valuable tool for determining the best treatment for breast cancer, but it does have some limitations. HER2 FISH testing can be expensive, and it can be difficult to interpret the results. In addition, HER2 FISH testing is not always accurate, and it can sometimes give false positive or false negative results.

Despite these limitations, HER2 FISH testing is an important tool for determining the best treatment for breast cancer. If you have breast cancer, your doctor may recommend that you have HER2 FISH testing to determine if you are a candidate for targeted therapy.