A patient with a history of metastatic breast cancer asks about testing for the presence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2/neu oncoprotein).A nurse should instruct the patient that this test will require a:
A)Blood specimen drawn in the early morning
B)Tissue sample obtained by needle biopsy of the breast
C)Tumor sample from the excision of a metastatic site
D)Urine specimen collected over 24 hours

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best way to test for the presence of HER-2/neu oncoprotein is by obtaining a tissue sample through needle biopsy of the breast. This is the most accurate and reliable method of testing for HER-2/neu status in breast cancer patients. Blood testing is not helpful in this case, and a tumor sample from an excision of a metastatic site is not necessary for HER-2/neu testing. Urine testing is not a valid method for testing for HER-2/neu status.

A Patient with a History of Metastatic Breast Cancer Asks