Genetic characterization of breast cancer and implications for clinical management

J Cell Mol Med. 2009 Oct;13(10):4090-103. doi: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2009.00906.x. Epub 2009 Sep 14.

Abstract

Breast cancer is a genetic disease caused by the accumulation of mutations in neoplastic cells. In the last few years, high-throughput microarray-based molecular analysis has provided increasingly more coherent information about the genetic aberrations in breast cancer. New biomarkers and molecular techniques are slowly becoming part of the diagnostic and prognostic armamentarium available for pathologists and oncologists to tailor the therapy for breast cancer patients. In this review, we will focus on the contribution of breast cancer somatic genetics to our understanding of breast cancer biology and its impact on breast cancer patient management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays
  • Humans
  • Precision Medicine*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor