New Research

Sydneybased

http://annonc.oxfordjournals.org/content/21/6/1254.full

This article suggests that hormone receptor status and HER2 status may differ in primary tumors and nodes. Hence women who are found to be ER/PR positive in their primary tumor but not in their nodes may not need tamoxifen/other long-term similar treatments. Likewise, women whose primary turmor is HER2 negative may be HER2 positive in their nodes, and therefore benefit from herceptin. The article says that nodes should be checked for status routinely. Although an added expense, money could be saved on unecessary treatment. On the other hand, saves could be saved if women whose primary tumor indicates they shouldn't be given herceptin are given it because of their nodal status.

ps. Hi. I'm new to this forum, but have been reading through for a few weeks. I've found it very helpful.