HER2 status in breast cancer–an example of pharmacogenetic testing

Abstract

The development of new drugs and associated pharmacogenetic tests will provide an increasing number of challenges to health care systems. In particular, how to evaluate their benefits, prioritize for commissioning purposes and implement a service to provide them in a timely manner. This paper presents an overview of HER2 testing for trastuzumab (Herceptin) treatment in breast cancer cases. Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization laboratory techniques are described and their HER2 testing performances are compared. Future options for the national provision of HER2 testing by the National Health Service in the UK are also discussed.