Think Pinker

According to CNN the FDA has finally given Invitrogen breast cancer test the green light. What is the Invitrogen breast cancer test? It’s a genetic test that will identify breast cancer patients that are likely to respond to a very powerful cancer fighting drug.

This test will determine whether a breast cancer suffer is a good candidate for Herceptin a powerful drug, the first in a new group of cancer drugs designed to destroy cancer cells without destroying healthy cells. This is quite different that previous cancer treatments which would destroy all cells.

Herceptin targets the HER-2 gene responsible for encouraging the growth of tumors. Invitrogen tests to determine whether you are a candidate of Herceptin because only about 20% of all breast cancer patients have the HER-2 gene.

Just what does this mean? Well for those that have the HER-2 gene it means Herceptin is a treatment option. Herceptin may be used in conjunction with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, paclitaxel or docetaxel. It’s had shown excellent results when the HER-2 gene is responsible.

Understanding breast cancer can be challenging especially with new news hitting the stage just about on a daily basis. But it’s also comforting knowing that not a day goes by where someone somewhere isn’t busy working on a cure for breast cancer. Invitrogen and Herceptin are proof of just that. More information on Herceptin can be found at http://www.herceptin.com/herceptin/patient/index.jsp