hormone therapy for HER2

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jap
jap Member Posts: 172

I understand that hormone therapies are not as effective for HER2 cancers that e-p positive.   Has anyone heard this?   If so, how much less effective?   Which AI are better?

Jo Anne

Comments

  • BethNY
    BethNY Member Posts: 2,710
    edited September 2008

    There were studies I remember from back when I was dx four years ago, that said AI's worked better for her2 ER+ tumors, then Tamoxifen-- however, if you're pre meno, it's not like you have that option.

  • juniper
    juniper Member Posts: 110
    edited October 2008

    You do have the option to take AI's if you are willing to chemically induce menopause.  I get Lupron shots every 3 months to keep me in menopause so that I can take Arimidex.

  • BethNY
    BethNY Member Posts: 2,710
    edited October 2008

    Juniper yes- you have a point-- but at least for me, inducing menopause before I was even 30, and having not yet had kids just wasn't an option...

    it may be for others though.

  • robyn33
    robyn33 Member Posts: 99
    edited October 2008

    Hi All,

    I asked my Onc about the difference between Tamoxifen and AI's for Her2+ folks.  She said that the AI's seem to be about 5-7% more effective for those of us who are Her2+.  I don't know what her source of information is.

  • SusieSwan
    SusieSwan Member Posts: 111
    edited October 2008

    I'm pre-meno like Beth so Tamox is my only option.  I've been in chemo pause though and I'll have my levels checked the end of the year.  May switch to AI but Tamox is so easy for me to tolerate.

  • mtnmamuh
    mtnmamuh Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2008

    Is there any way you can ask your doctor for the citation/source?  My doctor says that it is a a theory that AI's work better than Tamoxifin for Her2/neu folks.  I too am premenopausal, but I'm 43 so the likelihood that my ovaries will work after chemo is questionable.  I have a big decision to make, to force menopause, and I'm not sure about it for only 5 t o 7% increase in effectiveness.  the scientific data is not in yet. Thanks for your help

  • orange1
    orange1 Member Posts: 930
    edited November 2008

    My onc at Mayo Clinic has done research showing that responce to tamoxifen depends on your specific gene type.  Those that are extemsive metabolizers or tamoxifen have good response, even HER2+ (most of the population are extensive metabolizers), those that are poor metabolizers have extremely poor response - even tumor growth fueled by tamoxifen.  About 6-7% or the population are poor metabolizers of tamoxifen.  There are also intermediate metabolizers. 

    There is a simple blood test that will tell you if you are a extensive metabolizer, imtermediate or poor metabolizer.  Look for a test for the CYP2D6 enzyme.  

    I suggest googling Dr. Mathew Goetz.  He has published several articles on this.  The test is only a few hundred dollars and could save your life.

    Bottom line is you should be on tami if you are extensive metabolizer, and be on AI with ovarian ablation (if premenopausal) if a poor or intermediate metabolizer. 

     This test is available commerically.  I would insist your onc order it for you. 

    Good Luck 

  • flash
    flash Member Posts: 1,685
    edited November 2008

    Thank you orange

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