HER2 FISH Analysis - what is this and is this necessary?

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JuzYen
JuzYen Member Posts: 1
edited November 2015 in Just Diagnosed

My mum was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer - spread to lungs, kidney, bone.

She just had her first consult with a medical oncologist yesterday. For a start they are putting her on Letrozole (2 weeks supply before the next consultation).

Today, I was given a call from the clinic advising about doing HER2 FISH analysis. Some background: Prior to diagnosis, she was admitted to hospital for bone nuclear scan, biopsy or samples, CT scans, etc.

What i was told is that they want to take the samples and run HER2 FISH analysis. However, this procedure is not a subsidized testing in the cancer center where i live in. And generally these ad-hoc analysis, testing are not cheap (to me. I have limited resources and fundings).

The doctor called me to explain what this is for, but seriously with all the med terms blasting at my ear, i really do not know what this is about still.

If this channel has anyone with medical background/knowledge or understands what HER2 FISH analysis is about in layman terms, i really appreciate your advisement. And is this a necessary or optional test needed? How will it benefit my mum? If analysis is inconclusive, will there be follow-up testing needed to find out more conclusive status? there's just so many questions of course... Most importantly, is this necessary and does it help in anyway?


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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited November 2015

    Sorry to hear of your Mum's diagnosis.

    HER2 is a protein that has over-replicated. HER2 positive cancers are usually more aggressive.

    Your Mum's HER2 status will affect decisions regarding her treatment so it's an important thing to know.

    Wishing her; and you all the best. Donna.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2015

    Hi JuzYe, welcome to BC.org. We're really sorry for your mom's diagnosis and all you're going through... but we're happy that you found us! You'll find BCO a wealth of support and knowledge.

    The FISH Test (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation) article on the main Breastcancer.org site includes information that will help you understand what this test is about.

    You may be interested in also posting in the For Family and Caregivers of Members with STAGE IV Diagnosis forum, where family members, caregivers, and loved ones of members having a stage diagnosis can talk, exchange and support one another.

    We hope this helps!

    --The Mods

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