What Is Involved in Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer?

On June 14, the FDA approved a new genetic test, the HER2 gene test. This test helps medical staff determine whether women with breast cancer are HER2-positive and suitable for breast cancer treatment.

HER2 gene test

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On June 14, the U.S. FDA approved a new genetic test, the HER2 gene test, which will help medical staff determine the disease.

On June 14, the U.S. FDA approved a new genetic test, the HER2 gene test, which will help medical staff determine the disease.

Laboratory personnel can use the HER2 gene test to calculate the number of copies of the HER2 gene on chromosome 17 in a small number of breast cancer specimens. By chemical staining, the color of the HER2 gene and the copy of chromosome 17 in the specimen changed. A copy of the HER2 gene appears black, and a copy of chromosome 17 appears red. These color changes can be observed under a standard microscope.

These features enable inspectors to see and count copies of chromosome 17 and the HER2 gene on the same film, similar to the HER2 amplification test, but the latter usually requires the use of a fluorescent microscope. However, the HER2 gene test allows inspectors to look at signals from HER2 and chromosome 17 for longer periods directly under the microscope.