That sounds great that they have a plan for him. I don't know much about this test for a certain protein, but know of someone else on the board that was being tested. Perhaps it would be for the same treatment. If you find out what it is and can keep us updated it might help others that are (or might) use it in their treatment. I think it sounds great that there is a new possibility in the type treatment for certain EC's. I did a study when I was Dx rather than the standard (back then) chemo for stage 3. I just went with what my oncologist suggested, as what he thought he would choose of the two if it was him or a family member of his. Plus he had treated my Mom with colon cancer & a family best friend with her cancer - both successfully. I hope this upcoming treatment works well for your brother. Brenda

Can you find out if it was HER2? I asked our oncologist to test for this as well and am curious if this was it.

Found out some more...yes, they did test for the HER2 protein, and my brother's tumor is among the 10% or so of esophageal tumors that shows this. The stuff they're going to give him is called Herceptin. As I understand it, the drug cuts off the tumor's access to the HER2 protein, thus interfering with the cancer cells' ability to divide and multiply.
This stuff appears to be a boon for those with advanced esophageal cancer, and it's also an effective treatment for metastasized breast cancer as well. It does carry some risks, most significantly long term heart damage, but research has shown that it reduces that mortality rate of esophageal cancer by 26%.

Glad to hear that he tested positive for HER2. A good friend of mine had very aggressive breast cancer and tested positive for this also. After her treatment/chemo, her tumor totally disappeared! She then had surgery and radiation just to "make sure." This is her third year in remission and she still teaches school. I'm wishing the best for your brother!

Isn't it strange? Long before doctors had a special treatment for it, they were aware of HER2 tumors and considered them a bad omen. Apparently they're very aggressive and need especially aggressive treatment. A bad thing in the days before Herceptin--now it's actually a good thing to be diagnosed with an HER2 as the treatment can really push it back.
I hate to sound preachy, but I feel everyone should have the test for this. Even if one's oncologist feels that Herceptin is not appropriate, it's beneficial for them to know what s/he is dealing with.

hello, my husband is also HER2 positive. he had his operation 2010 and had a recurrence to the pleural membrane 2012. He should have been tested for HER2 when he had his recurrence, it was a mistake on the team's part . he was tested in 2013 and has gotten folfox and herceptin . Now it is routine here in France to test for HER2 for gastric and esophageal cancer. they don't have as much experience with herceptin for esophageal cancer as for breast cancer but my husband's oncologist considered it favorable that he could have the herceptin. He gets a pet scan on friday so we'll see how the treatment is working.
hope the treatment works for your brother. other people i've talked to seem to be doing well . all the best , danile

Oops - I just realized the reason that you're on both forums: your brother has EC! Didn't catch that before - sorry. Would you share your first name so I can address you in future postings? Thanks.

Sure, it's dhenth...or just call me Susan.