Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
11:12
Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
Basal breast cancer: a complex and deadly molecular subtype
F Bertucci1, P Finetti, D Birnbaum
1Département d'Oncologie Médicale, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, UMR891 Inserm, Marseille, France. bertuccif@marseille.fnclcc.fr
Current Molecular Medicine
|November 16, 2011
Summary
Basal breast cancer, often triple-negative (TN), has a distinct profile and poor prognosis despite chemotherapy. Understanding its molecular features like BRCA1 dysfunction and EGFR expression offers new treatment opportunities.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Gene expression profiling identified five breast cancer subtypes.
- Basal subtype resembles normal myoepithelial cells, often triple-negative (TN).
- Basal tumors have unique epidemiological and clinical features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on the basal breast cancer subtype.
- To highlight its distinct characteristics and challenges.
- To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of gene expression profiling data.
- Analysis of epidemiological and clinico-pathological features.
- Summary of molecular characteristics and treatment approaches.
Main Results:
- Basal subtype constitutes 15-25% of breast cancers.
- Characterized by frequent, early relapses and visceral metastases.
- Poor prognosis despite relative chemotherapy sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Molecular features like BRCA1 pathway dysfunction and EGFR expression are key.
- Targeted therapies and clinical trials are underway for basal/TN tumors.
- Further research is crucial for this aggressive breast cancer subtype.
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