HER2
Alias/Synonym: c-erbB-2 Oncoprotein (EP3)
CPT Code: 88360
- Includes:
- Specimen Type, Preferred:
- Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue
- Specimen Type, Alternate:
- Sample Quantity, Preferred:
- 1 block
- 2 slides
- Sample Quantity, Minimum:
- N/A
- Transport Container:
- Paraffin block
- Unstained slides
- Transport Temperature:
- Room temperature
- Collection Instructions:
- Block and slide identifiers should be clearly written and match exactly with the specimen ID and specimen labeling as noted on the requisition.
- Slides should be positively charged and cut at 3-4 microns for each stain/antibody ordered.
- Specimen Stability:
- N/A
- Rejection Criteria:
- No liquid specimens.
- Uncharged slides
- Clinical Significance:
- HER-2 (HER-2/neu, c-erbB2 or ERBBS2) is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase. When activated or overexpressed, signaling influences cell proliferation, invasion and differentiation of cells. In human cancers, particularly breast and gastroesophageal cancers, HER-2 is activated through amplification of the gene on chromosome 17, resulting in increased copies of the protein on the cell surface. Although over-expression is an adverse prognostic factor, tumors which overexpress this marker are susceptible to treatment with monoclonal antibodies targeting HER-2, such as Herceptin (trastuzumab) or Tykerb (lapatinib ditosylate).
- Limitations:
- Turnaround Time:
- 1 day(s)
- Reference Ranges:
- N/A