BASIC BIOLOGY IN SMART DRUGS IN BREAST CANCER

When the "Human Epidermal Growth Factor" found in the intercellular fluid encounters the receptor called HER2, which is located on the surface of the tumor cell and works like an antenna, proliferation is triggered in the tumor cell.

When "Human Epidermal Growth Factor" found in the interstitial fluid encounters a receptor called HER2, which functions like an antenna on the surface of a tumor cell, it triggers tumor cell proliferation. Tumors that carry a high concentration of HER2 receptors behave differently than tumor cells that do not. However, tumor structure is not homogeneous. In other words, some parts of each tumor may be HER2-positive, while others may not. Pathologists play a crucial role in providing clinicians with information about the tumor.

The pathologist determines whether HER2 is dominant in the tumor through tests, cell counts, and, when necessary, special methods such as FISH/SISH fluorescent staining, and then guides the patient's treatment.

After the pathologist determines HER2 positivity, the medical oncologist decides whether the smart drug will be used in the treatment of the tumor, whether it will be used in conjunction with chemotherapy, whether it will be administered before surgery, or whether it will be administered during radiation therapy.

Smart drugs are used when appropriate conditions are met, regardless of tumor size and stage. In other words, smart drugs are not necessarily administered in the presence of metastasis.