Her2 Testing in Breast Cancer
- Description
- The Her2 gene codes for a transmembrane growth factor receptor. Gene amplification and consequent overexpression of Her2 occurs in around 20% of women with breast cancer and is associated with an adverse prognosis. Trastuzumab (Herceptin® :Roche) is a chimeric antibody (95% human and 5% murine) developed against the Her2 protein. In HER2-positive metastatic disease trastuzumab alone has been shown to achieve a clinical response in around 35% of patients as first line treatment and significantly prolongs survival in combination with Paclitaxel and Docetaxel.
- Related condition
- Testing site
- Synnovis : Tissue Sciences : St Thomas' Hospital
- Laboratory
- Histology/ Histopathology
- Sample type and volume required
- Her2 over-expression can be demonstrated by immunocytochemistry on paraffin processed tissue in most cases. However equivocal results can occur in a proportion of cases when demonstration of the gene amplification itself by FISH will clarify the result. Tissue which has been decalcified is not suitable for FISH.
- Storage and transport
- First class post within 4 days (temperature not to exceed 30°C during transport) If possible, please complete the request form attached and send as a hard copy (do not send electronically) with the sample. This will ensure all relevant information is available and will aid us in processing your test.
- Turnaround time
- 1 - 2 Weeks depending on whether FISH is required
- Contacts
Histopathology Laboratory at Blackfriars Hub
Phone: 020 4614 7519/ 7522
Friars Bridge Court,
41-43 Blackfriars Road,
London, SE1 8NZHistology Laboratory at Princess Royal University Hospital
Phone: 01689 864314
Princess Royal University Hospital
Farnborough Common
Orpington
Kent
BR6 8NDCellular Pathology/Histopathology at King’s College Hospital
Phone: 020 3299 3045
kch-tr.histopathologyoffice@nhs.net
King’s College Hospital
Bessemer Wing – 2nd Floor
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RSCellular Pathology at St Thomas’ Hospital
Phone – Histology: 0207 188 7188 extension 54611
Phone – Cytology: 0207 188 2915
Phone – Oral Pathology: 0207 188 4367
Histopathology & Cytopathology Laboratories
Cellular Pathology
St Thomas’ Hospital
North Wing – 2nd Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EHCellular Pathology at Guy’s Hospital
Head and Neck/Oral Pathology Laboratory
4th Floor, Tower Wing
Guy’s Hospital
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT