HER2-positive Breast & Gastric Cancer

Breast and stomach cancers that are HER2-positive have too much of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein, which speeds up and causes uncontrolled tumour cell proliferation. Approximately 15–20% of breast cancer cases exhibit HER2-positive status, typically associated with a more aggressive disease trajectory. About 10–15% of people with gastric and gastro-oesophageal junction cancers have HER2 positive, which affects how they are treated and how well they do.

To be sure of HER2 status, an accurate diagnosis requires specialised procedures, including immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). Finding this biomarker is critical since it makes it possible to employ targeted medicines like trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and newer drugs like trastuzumab deruxtecan, which have changed patients' survival rates and quality of life.

In breast cancer, HER2-targeted medication is frequently used in conjunction with chemotherapy to optimise efficacy. Targeted therapy is usually used for advanced or metastatic gastric cancers. Ongoing research investigates combination regimens and innovative drug delivery systems to surmount resistance and enhance long-term effects.

Patients with HER2-positive breast or stomach cancer have a much greater chance of survival now than they did in the past.