HER2/neu

HER2/neu - Also known as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (or c-erbB-2), HER2/neu is a protein involved in normal cell growth. Some cancers produce too much of this protein. For instance, high levels of HER2/neu may be found on some breast cancer cells. (Approximately 25 percent of breast cancers show high levels of the HER2/neu growth factor.) Overexpression of HER2/neu often means that a tumor is more aggressive, and may respond differently to certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy drugs or monoclonal antibodies.

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