Question

What is the significance of the HER2 oncogene?

a) It is associated with breast cancer and predicts a poor prognosis
b) It is a tumor suppressor gene that prevents cancer development
c) It is commonly mutated in lung cancer
d) It is primarily found in benign tumors

Answer 1

The HER2 oncogene is a cell-surface receptor that is found in excessive amounts in 20% of human breast cancers. It plays a significant role in breast cancer development and predicts a poor prognosis for patients. Scientists have developed a drug called Herceptin, which targets HER2 for removal by the immune system and helps to increase the overall survival rate of patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The HER2 oncogene is a cell-surface receptor that is found in excessive amounts in 20% of human breast cancers. It plays a significant role in breast cancer development and predicts a poor prognosis for patients. Gene duplication leads to HER2 overexpression in breast cancer patients, resulting in unregulated cell division.

Scientists have developed a drug called Herceptin, which targets HER2 for removal by the immune system. Herceptin therapy, when combined with chemotherapy, has been proven to increase the overall survival rate of patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Answer 2

The significance of the HER2 oncogene is a) It is associated with breast cancer and predicts a poor prognosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The HER2 oncogene, also known as ErbB2, is a protein-coding gene that belongs to the human epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB) family. It plays a crucial role in cell growth, differentiation, and survival. In the context of breast cancer, the HER2 oncogene is particularly important due to its association with the disease and its ability to predict a poor prognosis.

The overexpression of HER2 is observed in approximately 20% of breast cancer cases, leading to increased cell growth and division. This overexpression is associated with a higher risk of recurrence, metastasis, and a poorer overall survival rate in breast cancer patients. As a result, the HER2 oncogene is a significant biomarker for breast cancer, and its presence can help guide treatment decisions and prognostication.

The HER2 oncogene is not a tumor suppressor gene, nor is it commonly mutated in lung cancer. Furthermore, it is not primarily found in benign tumors. Instead, its main significance lies in its role as a driver of breast cancer progression and its potential as a therapeutic target for treatment strategies.

In summary, the HER2 oncogene is an essential biomarker in breast cancer, as its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and aggressive disease. It is not a tumor suppressor gene, nor is it commonly mutated in lung cancer or primarily found in benign tumors.