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The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

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Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Validated Immunochemical Assay for Comprehensive Determination of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Released from and Bound to Cells
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[ErbB2 diagnostics in breast cancer--an update].

J Rüschoff1, I Nagelmeier, M Hofmann

  • 1Pathologie Nordhessen, Kassel, Deutschland. rueschoff@patho-nordhessen.de

Der Pathologe
|February 14, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Accurate ErbB2/Her-2/neu testing is crucial for breast cancer diagnosis and trastuzumab eligibility. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are key methods, with specific guidelines for equivocal results to ensure correct patient treatment.

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Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

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Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts

Published on: July 25, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Biomarker Analysis

Context:

  • ErbB2/Her-2/neu status is critical for breast cancer diagnosis and trastuzumab therapy selection.
  • Current standard methods include immunohistochemistry (IHC) for receptor overexpression and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for gene amplification.
  • International guidelines permit institutional choice between IHC and ISH as the primary diagnostic test.

Purpose:

  • To outline the diagnostic procedures for determining ErbB2/Her-2/neu status in breast cancer.
  • To detail the interpretation of results from IHC and FISH assays.
  • To address discordant results and provide a pathway for accurate assessment.

Summary:

  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are primary methods for assessing ErbB2/Her-2/neu status.
  • Equivocal IHC results (score 2+) require ISH confirmation, while borderline ISH results necessitate retesting or IHC.
  • Conflicting results, often due to chromosome 17 polysomy in ISH, require IHC to identify potential trastuzumab responders.

Impact:

  • Ensures accurate patient stratification for targeted breast cancer therapy with trastuzumab.
  • Highlights the importance of quality control and adherence to guidelines for reliable biomarker testing.
  • Clarifies diagnostic algorithms for complex cases, improving treatment decisions and patient outcomes.