HER2
Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology
| Stands for | Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
HER2 stands for Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.
Growth-promoting protein that is overproduced in about 15 to 20 percent of breast cancers and some stomach, esophageal and other cancers, making them more aggressive but treatable with HER2-targeted drugs. Testing uses immunohistochemistry (0 to 3+) and in situ hybridization.
Example: HER2 3+ by IHC: start trastuzumab and pertuzumab with taxane chemotherapy.
Usage notes
Trastuzumab, approved in 1998, transformed HER2-positive breast cancer from one of the worst prognoses to one of the most treatable. The gene is also called ERBB2. Since 2022, tumors with low expression (IHC 1+ or 2+ without gene amplification) have been called HER2-low and can be treated with trastuzumab deruxtecan. HER2-targeted drugs can weaken the heart, so ejection fraction is monitored.
Related abbreviations
More hematology and oncology abbreviations
- G6PD – Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
- GBM – Glioblastoma multiforme
- GVHD – Graft-versus-host disease
- HbS – Hemoglobin S
- HCT – Hematopoietic cell transplantation
- HD – Hodgkin disease
- HIT – Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
- HL – Hodgkin lymphoma
- HLA – Human leukocyte antigen
- HLH – Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
- HNSCC – Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- HR+ – Hormone receptor-positive
See all 144 hematology and oncology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.