Has anyone used Herceptin that was er+ and pr -??

php01

I am er +, Pr-,Her2/neu borderline postive---oncologist says because of my negative status he can't/won't try herceptin--I have been through the full 4 treatments of A/C & T and full radiation, then they found more malignancies in my lymph nodes in my neck, and I was told I had mets to my lungs, bones, and lymph nodes--so I went back to chemo with taxphere and gemzar---now after the latest pet scan, they say I have increased activity with more lesions in my lungs, bones, and lymph nodes--so this chemo isn't working either--I am heading to Mayo Clinic cancer center to see what they have but has anyone else who was +-+ gotten to use herceptin??

Bimmer

My wife is ER-, PR- and was her2 neg until yesterday. Now she falls into that small "borderline" clique. She begins Herceptin on Friday. Plan B is a new drug called Nexavar. We have already applied to the FDA for humanatarian use for this special occasion.

She has already used virtually every kind of chemo out there.

Maybe Hepceptin or even Nexavar will spark a response?

Ivylane

Hi there:  I am er+ PR- and HER+++ 

I started Hereptin after finishing chemo in April.  So far, so good. 

CTG

I would challenge your oncologist to another pathology test of the Her2 using the FISH pathology test to see what the numbers are. There are well known labs that doctors use for retesting of pathology. The question is what is borderline? You need to know for sure that Her2 is not taking a role in your cancer. I am er+pr+ her2+ and have used Herceptin as well as Hormone drugs together.

I would suggest you go to Mayo Clinic for sure for a second opinion. Mayo is one of the top cancer institutions in the USA. The more experienced breast oncologist should be able to look over your case to see what has been missed.

Best of luck to you.

Ctg

dx fall05 stage4 liver and bone mets
dx fall06 brain mets / spring07 brain mets gone

konakat

I agree with CTG's and Bimmer's response.  I also got the additional fish test and was still borderline.  But my oncologist felt, what the hell -- let's do it.  Today I had my 1st herceptin added to my taxol.

Funny -- at first I dreaded the thought of getting chemo.  Now if a drug may help, I say bring it on!!!  I'd rather get something that might not work than later down the road regret that I didn't give it a try.

Valsul

I am ER- PR+ Her2+++ and have had Herceptin since January, with Arimidex. Again, so far so good.

Good luck getting the treatment you need.

Valerie S