"Inflammatory" breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
"Inflammatory" breast cancer is a rare and very aggressive form of the disease characterised by rapid onset and dismal outcome.


METHODS
This review describes the clinical and molecular aspects of inflammatory breast cancer. The relevant English language literature on of inflammatory breast cancer was searched via Medline and ISI Web of Knowledge Cross Search (1924-2005), cross-referencing with key articles on the subject.


CONCLUSIONS
An increasing body of evidence demonstrates that inflammatory breast cancer is a unique form of breast cancer. A prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary approach (based on neoadjuvant chemotherapy, loco-regional treatment with surgery and/or radiotherapy, followed in some cases by adjuvant systemic therapy) are the two factors most likely to have an impact on survival. As the molecular basis of the disease is becoming increasingly more defined, new potential therapeutic targets may arise in the future.
Cariati
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Cambridge Breast Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK.
Bennett-Britton
T M
TM
Pinder
S E
SE
Purushotham
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AD
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant