HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2) Overview
When you hear the term HER2, a protein that sits on the surface of some cells and can make them grow faster. Also known as Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2, HER2 is a major driver in certain cancers, especially a subgroup of breast tumors. High HER2 levels mean the cancer cells are more aggressive, but they also become vulnerable to therapies that specifically block this protein. This dual nature makes HER2 a focal point for diagnosis, treatment planning, and research. Understanding HER2 helps patients and clinicians decide if targeted drugs are appropriate, how often monitoring is needed, and what long‑term outlook might look like.
Why HER2 matters in cancer care
One of the most common contexts for HER2 is breast cancer, a disease where cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. When a tumor tests positive for HER2, it changes the whole treatment equation. Targeted therapy, medicines designed to attack specific molecular features of cancer cells becomes an option, often improving survival rates compared with traditional chemotherapy alone. The presence of HER2 also influences other tumor characteristics, like hormone‑receptor status, and can affect decisions about surgery or radiation. In short, HER2 acts as a flag that tells doctors a patient may benefit from precision medicines, and it helps researchers focus on developing newer agents that shut down the HER2 signaling pathway.
To make the right call, clinicians rely on HER2 testing, lab methods such as IHC and FISH that measure protein overexpression or gene amplification. Accurate testing is the bridge between a diagnosis and an effective treatment plan; a false‑negative result could deny a patient a life‑saving drug, while a false‑positive could expose them to unnecessary side effects. Once HER2 positivity is confirmed, one of the most widely used agents is trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to the HER2 protein and blocks its growth signals. Trastuzumab, often combined with chemotherapy, has become a standard of care for HER2‑positive breast cancer and is also approved for other HER2‑driven cancers. Ongoing research is expanding the toolbox with newer antibodies, tyrosine‑kinase inhibitors, and antibody‑drug conjugates, all aiming to improve outcomes and reduce resistance. The ecosystem of HER2 testing, targeted therapy, and patient monitoring forms a tight loop that continuously refines how we treat this aggressive disease.
Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dive deeper into each of these aspects— from the biology of HER2 and the nuances of testing methods, to real‑world experiences with trastuzumab and emerging treatment options. Whether you’re a patient looking for clear guidance or a health professional seeking the latest evidence, the collection offers practical insights you can apply right away.
