What is HER2 in NSCLC?

3. For example, the gene encoding human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2 erbB-2/neu) is a driver gene that is regarded as a new therapeutic target for treating NSCLC. HER2 is encoded by the HER2 gene, which is located on the long arm of chromosome 17 (17q21). HER2 is a member of the erbB receptor tyrosine kinase family.

Is HER2 lung cancer hereditary?

The study concluded that the novel HER2 mutation is potentially oncogenic, causing hereditary and sporadic lung adenocarcinoma (50).

What is HER2 mutation?

What Is a HER2 Mutation? HER2 stands for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and is a protein found in the body, including on the surface of breast cells. HER2 proteins are involved in normal cell growth but can mutate to become “overexpressed,” meaning that a person’s levels of the protein are higher than normal.

Is Herceptin used for lung cancer?

HER-2–targeted drugs, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), may be useful in a small percentage of cases of lung cancer, the 2% to 3% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) that harbor HER2 mutations, according to a study published online April 22 in Journal of Clinical Oncology.

What causes HER2 mutation?

HER2-positive breast cancer is not inherited. Instead, it’s considered a somatic genetic mutation. This type of mutation occurs after conception. Having a close relative with HER2-positive breast cancer does not increase your risk for breast cancer or HER2-positive breast cancer.

How do you test for HER2?

Most HER2 testing involves taking a sample of tumor tissue in a procedure called a biopsy. There are three main types of biopsy procedures: Fine needle aspiration biopsy, which uses a very thin needle to remove a sample of breast cells or fluid. Core needle biopsy, which uses a larger needle to remove a sample.

What causes HER2?

This is caused by a mutation in the HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) gene. When the HER2 gene mutates, it causes cells in the breast to grow and divide at an uncontrolled rate, leading to tumor growth.

Will I get lung cancer if my mom had it?

Having a parent or sibling with lung cancer doesn’t mean you’ll get the disease. Only about 8% of lung cancers run in families. Still, it’s good to know your family history and discuss it with your doctor, just like with any other health concern.

What causes overexpression of HER2?

Overexpression of HER2 with IHC without gene amplification may be due to high polysomy of chromosome 17 or may occur through various molecular epigenetic or posttranscriptional events (e.g., DNA hypomethylation in the promoter regions, posttranscriptional events) [18].

What is PD L1 lung cancer?

The most commonly used immunotherapies for lung cancer block the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1. PD-1 is a receptor often on the surface of immune cells. PD-L1 is a protein that has a broader presence, including on the tumor cells.

Does HER2 run in families?

HER2-positive breast cancer is not hereditary, but some other types of gene mutations related to breast cancer are inherited. Genetic testing can tell you if you have any of the mutations currently known to increase risk for breast cancer or other cancers.

Why do non smokers get lung cancer?

Lung cancer in people who don’t smoke can be caused by exposure to radon, secondhand smoke, air pollution, or other factors. Workplace exposures to asbestos, diesel exhaust or certain other chemicals can also cause lung cancers in some people who don’t smoke.