detection of increased levels of - 2 / neu proteins in circulating cancer cells and its treatment

摘要

The expression of Her-2/neu protein on circulating cancer cells in a blood sample is detected by isolating the cancer cells from the blood sample and then performing on the isolated cancer cells a sensitive Her-2/neu immunoassay. A positive result indicates the expression of Her-2/neu on cancer cells in the blood sample. This method can be used to identify cancer patients who are likely to benefit from treatment with an anticancer agent that targets Her-2/neu, such as trastuzumab (HERCEPTIN).