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| HER2 gene: (sometimes called HER2/neu): this oncoprotein is present in very small amounts on the outer surface of normal breast cells. About 25% to 30% of breast cancers have too much of this protein. HER stimulates cell growth, and breast cancers that produce too much of this protein tend to be more aggressive. A monoclonal antibody used to treat this type of breast cancer attaches to the HER2 protein, slow the growth of the breast cancer cells, and may also stimulate the immune system to more effectively attack the cancer. Some other types of cancer also have too much HER2 protein. Studies of monoclonal antibody therapy for these cancers are in progress. | | | |
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