A recent study evaluated the impact of guidelines surrounding the use of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine degree of HER2 gene amplification.
Patients remain very confused about how HER2 receptor tests are performed, why there are different ways of doing the tests, and, more concerning, how the tests are interpreted. It is such a vital laboratory result as it greatly influences treatment decisions, and, of course, predictions of survival. It is valuable to see research focused on the gene amplification testing so that clearer information is obtained about how the test should be performed and interpreted.
The study authors conclude that HER2 categorization by FISH as conducted in the BCIRG/Translational Research in Oncology trials remains supported by current data.
