Estrogen Receptor + Progesterone Receptor + HER-2/neu

Description

Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor, HER-2/neu Test – Critical Biomarker Analysis for Breast Cancer Treatment Guidance

The ER/PR/HER-2/neu Test from Lab Tests Dubai is a cornerstone of precision oncology, providing essential information about the molecular profile of breast cancer tumors. This test evaluates the presence and expression levels of three key biomarkers:

• Estrogen Receptor (ER)
• Progesterone Receptor (PR)
• HER-2/neu (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2)

Using advanced immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis, this test helps oncologists determine whether a tumor is hormone-sensitive or HER2-driven—directly guiding personalized treatment plans, including hormone therapy, targeted drugs (e.g., trastuzumab), or chemotherapy.

With a 7-day turnaround time, this test ensures timely, evidence-based decisions—critical in early-stage and advanced breast cancer management.

Available in collaboration with accredited histopathology labs, Lab Tests Dubai supports hospitals, clinics, and patientswith accurate, reliable, and clinically actionable results.

Why You Need This Test

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer or a suspicious breast lesion, this test is not optional—it’s essential.

You need the ER/PR/HER2 Test because:

• It determines if your cancer will respond to hormone therapy (e.g., tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors)
• It identifies HER2-positive cancers, which benefit from targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin®)
• It helps avoid unnecessary chemotherapy in low-risk cases
• It guides prognosis and recurrence risk
• It’s required for all newly diagnosed invasive breast cancers (per international guidelines: ASCO, CAP, NCCN)

This test transforms a general cancer diagnosis into a personalized treatment roadmap—maximizing effectiveness and minimizing side effects.

Symptoms That Indicate This Test

This test is performed after a biopsy or surgery confirms cancer or atypical cells. It’s recommended if you have:

• A palpable lump in the breast or underarm
• Changes in breast shape, skin dimpling, or nipple retraction
• Bloody or clear nipple discharge
• Mammogram or MRI findings suggesting malignancy
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carrier
• Recurrent or metastatic breast cancer requiring retesting

The test is not symptom-based—it’s a mandatory tissue analysis after cancer detection.

Natural Production: How ER, PR & HER2 Work in the Body

• Estrogen (E) and Progesterone (P) are sex hormones produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat tissue. They regulate breast development and menstrual cycle.
• ER and PR are receptor proteins in breast cells. When hormones bind to them, they stimulate cell growth.
• HER2/neu is a tyrosine kinase receptor involved in cell growth and repair. Normally present in small amounts, it becomes overexpressed in 15–20% of breast cancers.

In cancer:

• ER+/PR+ tumors grow in response to hormones
• HER2+ tumors grow aggressively due to uncontrolled signaling
• Triple-negative (ER-/PR-/HER2-) cancers lack these targets and require chemotherapy

This test identifies what fuels your cancer—so treatment can cut off the supply.

What Happens If Untreated or Unprofiled? Risks of Missing Biomarkers

Skipping ER/PR/HER2 testing can lead to:

⚠️ Incorrect Treatment – Giving chemo when hormone therapy would suffice
⚠️ Missed Targeted Therapy – Failing to use Herceptin in HER2+ cases (which improves survival by 50%+)
⚠️ Higher Recurrence Risk – Due to suboptimal therapy
⚠️ Reduced Survival Rates – Especially in HER2+ or hormone-sensitive cancers

Early biomarker testing ensures:

• Right drug, right patient, right time
• Better outcomes, longer survival, improved quality of life

How to Prepare for the Test

No patient preparation is needed—this is a tissue-based test:

✅ A biopsy or surgical specimen must be collected by your doctor
✅ Tissue is processed into a paraffin-embedded block or charged slides
✅ Lab Tests Dubai coordinates with hospitals to receive and analyze the sample
✅ No fasting or medication changes required

Ensure your pathology team sends:

• Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block
• Or 4–5 unstained charged slides
• Clinical history and requisition form

Our lab follows ASCO/CAP guidelines for standardized, reproducible results.

Test Overview: Gold-Standard Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Method

IHC Process:

1. Tissue sections are cut and mounted
2. Stained with antibodies against ER, PR, and HER2
3. Analyzed under microscope by certified pathologists
4. Scored using standardized criteria:
   • ER/PR: Positive if ≥1% staining (Allred or H-score)
   • HER2: IHC 0/1+ = Negative, 2+ = FISH test needed, 3+ = Positive

Results include:

• Biomarker status
• Semi-quantitative scores
• Clinical interpretation

FAQs About the ER/PR/HER2 Test

Q: Is this test done on blood or tissue?
A: Tissue only—from biopsy or surgery. Not a blood test.

Q: Can HER2 status change over time?
A: Yes. Re-biopsy at recurrence is recommended to recheck status.

Q: What if HER2 is 2+?
A: A FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) test is required to confirm amplification.

Q: Is this test covered by insurance?
A: Yes. Mandatory for breast cancer—fully covered by most UAE insurers.

Q: How will I get results?
A: A secure digital pathology report is emailed within 7 business days, including images and clinical notes.

Q: Can men get this test?
A: Yes. Male breast cancer also requires ER/PR/HER2 testing.

Your breast cancer treatment should be as unique as you are. The ER/PR/HER2 Test gives your oncologist the molecular roadmap to choose the most effective, least toxic therapy.