Human Breast Cancer ER-/PR-/Her2+FFPE Sections

Human ER-PR-HER2+ breast cancer refers to a specific subtype of breast cancer characterized by the presence of certain biomarkers. These biomarkers include estrogen receptor-negative (ER-), progesterone receptor-negative (PR-), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+). Each of these markers plays a significant role in determining the treatment and prognosis of breast cancer.

Estrogen Receptor-negative (ER-): Estrogen receptors are proteins found on the surface of cells in breast tissue that bind to estrogen. In ER-negative breast cancer, these receptors are absent, meaning that estrogen does not promote the growth of cancer cells in the same way it does in ER-positive breast cancer. This subtype of breast cancer tends to be more aggressive and less responsive to hormone therapy.

1. Progesterone Receptor-negative (PR-): Similarly to ER-negative breast cancer, PR-negative breast cancer lacks receptors for progesterone, another hormone involved in breast tissue development. PR-negative tumors may also exhibit more aggressive behavior and are less likely to respond to hormone-based treatments.

2. Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-positive (HER2+): HER2 is a protein that promotes cell growth and division. In HER2-positive breast cancer, there is an overexpression of the HER2 gene, leading to increased production of HER2 protein. This subtype of breast cancer tends to grow and spread more rapidly than HER2-negative tumors. However, HER2-targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), can effectively target and block the HER2 protein, improving treatment outcomes.

3. Patients diagnosed with ER-PR-HER2+ breast cancer often require a combination of treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and sometimes radiation therapy or surgery. Targeted therapies specifically designed to inhibit HER2-positive breast cancer cells have significantly improved outcomes for patients with this subtype of breast cancer. However, because ER and PR are negative, hormone-based therapies like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors are typically ineffective.

It’s important for individuals diagnosed with ER-PR-HER2+ breast cancer to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan based on their specific tumor characteristics, overall health, and treatment goals. Ongoing research continues to explore new targeted therapies and treatment approaches to improve outcomes for patients with this subtype of breast cancer.

VitroVivo Biotech provides Human Triple Negative (ER-PR-HER2+) Breast Cancer FFPE section to accelerate your breast cancer research. These human breast cancer FFPE sections are mounted on positively charged glass slides and sectioned at 5 µm thickness. These FFPE slides can be used to perform RNA scope ISH, FISH IF, IHC and NGS, etc.