Her2 (c-erbB-2 )

Purpose

Detection and quantification of Her2 expression in breast carcinomas.

Services

AQUA staining multiplexed with cytokeratin

Introduction

HER2/neu (also known as ErbB-2, ERBB2) stands for "Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2"; rt is a member of the ErbB protein family.

HER2/neu is notable for its role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer and as a target of treatment. Approximately 15-20 percent of breast cancers have an amplification of the HER2/neu gene or overexpression of its protein product. Overexpression of this receptor in breast cancer is associated with increased disease recurrence and worse prognosis. Because of its prognostic role as well as its ability to predict response to trastuzumab (see below), breast tumors are routinely checked for overexpression of HER2/neu. Overexpression also occurs in other cancer such as ovarian cancer and stomach cancer.

Specificity

Her2 is specifically presented on the membrane of cells.

Staining Interpretation

Her2 staining can be scored. The guideline is:

 

Description

Score 0 (negative):

No staining is observed, or membrane staining is observed in <10% of tumor cells.

A faint membrane staining is observed in >10% of tumor cells; the cells exhibit incomplete membrane staining.

A weak to moderate complete membrane staining is observed in >10% of tumor cells.

A strong complete membrane staining is observed in >10% of tumor cells

 

Score 1+ (negative):

Score 2+ (positive):

Score 3+ (positive):

Thomas Jefferson Kimmel Cancer Center

Rui Lab