Laser capture microdissection and advanced molecular analysis of human breast cancer

Advances in comprehensive genomic and proteomic technologies are providing researchers with an unprecedented opportunity for high-throughput molecular analysis of human breast cancer. Adaptation of these technologies to laser capture microdissection (LCM) is poised to exert dramatic change on the pace of breast cancer research. Although technical limitations have impeded the coupling of these high-throughput technologies to LCM, recent advances have allowed for the successful application of this cellular-based approach to breast cancer, and the results of such studies have provided researchers with unique insight into the disease. This approach holds great potential for rapid advancement in our understanding of breast cancer, and it is hoped that such advancements will lead to novel predictive and therapeutic strategies for women with the disease. This review outlines the current status of the adaptation of advanced molecular technologies to LCM and highlights recent studies in which this approach has been applied to human breast cancer.