Tumor Receptors & Breast Cancer

Appointments Five women of different ages and races stand together in pink for breast cancer awareness
  • Overview
  • Estrogen Receptors (ER)
  • Progesterone Receptors (PR)
  • Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2)
  • Appointments
  • Locations
  • Physicians
  • Providers

    • Hormone receptors are proteins found inside and on the surface of certain cells, including breast cancer cells. These receptors bind to hormones circulating in the bloodstream. The two main hormones involved in breast cancer cell growth are estrogen and progesterone. When selecting appropriate breast cancer treatments, it is important to know the Estrogen Receptor (ER) and Progesterone Receptor (PR) status to determine prognosis and medical therapy options. 

    HER2, or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, is a gene that can play a role in the development of breast cancer. This gene produces the HER2 protein, which is found on the surface of breast cells and is involved in cell growth and repair. In about 20% of breast cancers, the HER2 gene is amplified, leading to overexpression of the HER2 protein. These cancers are referred to as HER2-positive and targeted medications can be used to treat these cancer cells.

    Estrogen Receptors (ER)

     

    • These receptors are located on breast cells (among other tissues).
    • They bind to estrogen, which can stimulate cell division and growth.
    • The presence of ER is a key factor in the development and treatment of certain breast cancers (ER-positive).

    Progesterone Receptors (PR)

     

    Progesterone Receptors (PR) are found in the same cell types as estrogen receptors.

    They bind to progesterone, another hormone involved in reproductive functions.

    Similar to ER, their presence (PR-positive) influences the growth of some breast cancers and their responsiveness to hormone therapies.

    Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2)

     

    HER2 is a growth factor receptor found on cell surfaces.

    It is associated with aggressive growth in cancers that ove-rexpress this receptor (HER2-positive).

    Specific targeted therapies are designed to inhibit the HER2 pathways.

    Appointment Information

     

    The Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer at the U-M Health Rogel Cancer Center is dedicated to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care for individuals affected by breast cancer. We enhance lives through early detection, personalized treatment, and survivorship support, while advancing research, education, and advocacy. Our unwavering commitment is to make a meaningful difference, improving breast cancer outcomes for all.

    If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer and would like an appointment, please call 734-647-8902.  Healthcare providers looking to refer a patient, please contact M-LINE: 800-962-3555.

    For those with questions, please contact our Cancer AnswerLine at 800-865-1125.

    Locations
    • Breast Care Clinic | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
      Entrance 1, Level 1
      Brighton, MI 48116-9416       Get Directions
    • Breast Oncology Clinic | Rogel Cancer Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
      Floor 1
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5916       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Monika Leigh Burness, MD

    Monika Leigh Burness, MD

    Assistant Professor

    Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine

    Erin Frances Cobain, MD

    Erin Frances Cobain, MD

    Associate Professor

    Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine

    Norah Lynn Henry, MD

    Norah Lynn Henry, MD, PhD

    Professor

    Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine

    Tasha Michelle Hughes, MD

    Tasha Michelle Hughes, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Surgical Oncology, Surgery

    Jacqueline Sara Jeruss, MD

    Jacqueline Sara Jeruss, MD, PhD

    Professor

    Surgery

    Kathleen Anne Kemmer, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Medical Oncology, Hematology, Internal Medicine

    Sofia Diana Merajver, MD

    Sofia Diana Merajver, MD, PhD

    Professor

    Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine

    Aki Morikawa, MD

    Aki Morikawa, MD, PhD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Medical Oncology, Hematology, Internal Medicine

    Lauren Michelle Perry, MD

    Lauren Michelle Perry, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Surgical Oncology, Surgery

    Melissa Louise Pilewskie, MD

    Melissa Louise Pilewskie, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Surgery

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    Providers

     Search for a U-M Health provider     Michigan Photo

    Joan Marie Armstrong, NP

    Advanced Practice Nurse

    Nurse Practitioner - Family, Nurse Practitioner

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    Susan Marie Egner, NP

    Advanced Practice Nurse

    Nurse Practitioner

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    Tamara Mangan Ghormley, NP

    Advanced Practice Nurse

    Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Practitioner - Community Health

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    Kimberly Ann Hoskins, NP

    Advanced Practice Nurse

    Nurse Practitioner - Adult Health

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    Mary-Jo Marie Julin, NP

    Advanced Practice Nurse

    Nurse Practitioner

    Katherine Ann Lew, PA-C

    Katherine Ann Lew, PA-C

    Physician Assistant

    Physician Assistant

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    Margaret Anne Miodonski, NP

    Advanced Practice Nurse

    Nurse Practitioner-Women's Health, Nurse Practitioner

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    Kelly Leigh Scheu, NP

    Advanced Practice Nurse

    Nurse Practitioner

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    Megan Ann Williams-Morad, PA-C

    Physician Assistant

    Physician Assistant