Topic Highlight
Copyright ©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Clin Oncol. Aug 10, 2014; 5(3): 412-424
Published online Aug 10, 2014. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i3.412
Biological subtypes of breast cancer: Prognostic and therapeutic implications
Ozlem Yersal, Sabri Barutca
Ozlem Yersal, Sabri Barutca, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty, Adnan Menderes University, 09010 Aydin, Turkey
Author contributions: Both authors provided substantial contributions to the conception and design; acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data; drafting the article and revising it critically for important intellectual content; and final approval of the version to be published.
Correspondence to: Dr. Ozlem Yersal, MD, Specialist, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty, Adnan Menderes University, Tip Fakultesi, İcHastaliklari AD, Onkoloji BD, Aytepe Mevkii, 09010 Aydın, Turkey. yersal1978@yahoo.com
Telephone: +90-256-4441256 Fax: +90-256-4441256
Received: December 25, 2013
Revised: March 11, 2014
Accepted: May 15, 2014
Published online: August 10, 2014
Abstract

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous complex of diseases, a spectrum of many subtypes with distinct biological features that lead to differences in response patterns to various treatment modalities and clinical outcomes. Traditional classification systems regarding biological characteristics may have limitations for patient-tailored treatment strategies. Tumors with similar clinical and pathological presentations may have different behaviors. Analyses of breast cancer with new molecular techniques now hold promise for the development of more accurate tests for the prediction of recurrence. Gene signatures have been developed as predictors of response to therapy and protein gene products that have direct roles in driving the biology and clinical behavior of cancer cells are potential targets for the development of novel therapeutics. The present review summarizes current knowledge in breast cancer molecular biology, focusing on novel prognostic and predictive factors.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Tumor biology, Subtypes, Predictive factors, Prognostic factors

Core tip: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with many subtypes that have different treatment responses and clinical outcomes. The present review summarizes current knowledge in breast cancer molecular biology, focusing on novel classification, prognostic and predictive factors.