December 5, 2013 12:40:49 AM WATime
Hi Tali
Sorry to be so slow in replying to your query .. I wanted to research this as I have always had the impression that Herceptin was only suitable for Her2 +ve SISH amplified bc ever since it became available as treatment (which is not very long ago).
Due to the relatively recent addition of Herceptin in the range of treatments for bc, there is still a great deal of speculation and research continuing with it's use, along with extensive research into other bc pathological features and treatments.
As with every other form of treatment, there will be theories that will be explored in the aim to provide more effective management. Some of these theories may prove to have merit and others will not. It's the basis that all of the current standards of treatment are based upon - this high level of evidence-based research.
In Australia treatments may not be prescribed unless approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This is due to the fact that many of these powerful drugs have significant potentially harmful side-effects and are very costly, and therefore need to be proven to have a useful effect. As yet Herceptin has only been proven for Her2 +ve SISH +ve bc.
Consequently Oncologists are presently only able to prescribe Herceptin in this setting in Australia.
I'm guessing you have already discussed this with your Oncologist? Certainly you can seek a 2nd opinion from another Oncologist. As they are the specialists in this area, hopefully they would be able to provide the best explanation for you.
Other possible sources of information are perhaps the TGA website http://www.tga.gov.au/ or the company that supplies Herceptin, i.e. Roche http://www.roche-australia.com/portal/eipf/australia/au/corporate .
Hoping you get answers soon Tali.
Hugs, Glenys xx
The Click Breast Care Nurse 
