human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative

Describes cells that have a small amount or none of a protein called HER2 on their surface. In normal cells, HER2 helps control cell growth. Cancer cells that are human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative may grow more slowly and are less likely to recur (come back) or spread to other parts of the body than cancer cells that have a large amount of HER2 on their surface. Checking to see if a cancer is human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative may help plan treatment. Cancers that may be human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative include breast, bladder, ovarian, pancreatic, and stomach cancers. Also called HER2 negative.