The Association of HER-2/neu Amplification With Breast Cancer Recurrence

Abstract
IN 1985, the HER-2/neu oncogene was isolated independently by 2 separate groups, which they named HER-21 and c-erbB-2.2 Further analysis revealed the 2 genes to be the same,3,4 and it was renamed HER-2/neu. The gene encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase, which has homology with, but is distinct from epidermal growth factor receptor. The exact function of this kinase is unknown, but based on its close homology with epidermal growth factor receptor, it may function as a cellular receptor for an undiscovered growth factor. Great interest is now focused on determining the prognostic significance of the presence of this oncogene in breast tumors.