HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)

HER2, or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, is a protein that plays a role in cell growth and division. It is found on the surface of some cells, including those in the breast. In certain breast cancers, known as HER2-positive cancers, there is an overproduction of the HER2 protein. This can lead to more aggressive tumor growth. Understanding HER2 status is important as it helps guide treatment options, such as targeted therapies that specifically attack cells with high levels of this protein, improving outcomes for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.