HER2-positive breast cancer: Tumor cells overexpress or amplify the HER2 receptor (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), driving aggressive tumor growth.
- Implication: Historically associated with poor prognosis, but outcomes greatly improved with HER2-targeted therapy.
- Treatment: Combination of HER2-targeted agents (trastuzumab, pertuzumab, T-DM1, T-DXd, tucatinib, etc.) with chemotherapy ± endocrine therapy if also ER/PR+.
- Prognosis: Now significantly better due to effective HER2-targeted therapies.
Key for oncology pharmacists: Always check HER2 status—positive patients should receive HER2-directed therapy as a cornerstone of treatment.
Synonyms
HER2+