Chennai, Jan. 17 -- What is HER2 Positive Breast Cancer?

HER2-positive breast cancer is a type of breast cancer in which the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein, encoded by the HER2 gene, is expressed. Breast cancers in which the HER2 gene is highly amplified so that the HER2 protein becomes overexpressed are said to be HER2 positive. HER2 promotes the rapid growth and spread of this highly aggressive type of breast cancer, which is often resistant to hormonal therapy.

HER2-positive breast cancer not only spreads rapidly, but can also show recurrence, compared to HER2-negative breast cancer. It should be noted that some HER2-positive breast cancers can become HER2-negative over time. Likewise, a HER2-negative breast ...