Biological subtypes of breast cancer: Current concepts and implications for recurrence patterns Journal Article


Authors: Cadoo, K. A.; Fornier, M. N.; Morris, P. G.
Article Title: Biological subtypes of breast cancer: Current concepts and implications for recurrence patterns
Abstract: Breast cancer is comprised of a number of complex and heterogeneous subtypes with differing clinical behavior and outcomes. In recent years, significant advances have been made in discerning the molecular drivers of this disease, and characterizing distinct subtypes of breast cancer based on gene expression profiles. These advances have begun to translate into greater individualization of treatment for patients. Although these advances have shaped our understanding of the underlying biology of breast cancer, most clinical decisions are currently based on tumor expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). These biomarkers have prognostic and predictive significance in breast cancer and have important implications for tumor growth and metastatic patterns. In this review, we focus on the three broad phenotypes of breast cancer used in clinical practice; ER/PR positive, HER2 positive and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is characterized by lack of expression of ER, PR and HER2. We discuss the influence of these tumor-related factors as well as histological subtype, on the potential for breast cancer recurrence and patterns of disease spread.
Keywords: biological markers; recurrence; breast neoplasms
Journal Title: Quarterly Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
Volume: 57
Issue: 4
ISSN: 1824-4785
Publisher: Edizioni Minerva Medica  
Date Published: 2013-12-01
Start Page: 312
End Page: 321
Language: English
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 24322788
DOI/URL:
Notes: Cited By (since 1996):2 -- Export Date: 3 February 2014 -- CODEN: QJNMA -- Source: Scopus
Citation Impact
MSK Authors
  1. Patrick Glyn Morris
    116 Morris
  2. Monica Nancy Fornier
    158 Fornier
  3. Karen Anne Cadoo
    113 Cadoo