High-throughput techniques in breast cancer: a clinical perspective.
High-throughput technologies such as DNA-microarrays, RT-PCR and proteomics can improve the prognostic and predictive information acquired from classical parameters. Unlike information gathered by classical methods, high-throughput technologies can accurately inform clinicians on patient response to adjuvant therapy or those who will resist the effect of that therapy. Studies performed in breast cancer with high-throughput techniques have focused on tumour biology, prognosis, prediction of response to a few agents and, more recently, early diagnosis. However, further refinement is needed before these techniques become part of clinical routine. In the meantime, they will be used in clinical investigation, particularly in the areas of hormonal therapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, where modest improvements in the capacity of prediction can benefit many women. Close cooperation among clinicians, pathologists and basic investigators is essential to take high-throughput techniques to daily practice. New diagnostic tools will be complex but they will provide valuable patient information.
Espinosa
Enrique
E
Service of Medical Oncology, Hospital La Paz - Universidad Autónoma, Paseo de la Castellana, 261, 28046 Madrid, Spain. eespinosa00@terra.es
Redondo
Andrés
A
Vara
Juan Angel Fresno
JA
Zamora
Pilar
P
Casado
Enrique
E
Cejas
Paloma
P
Barón
Manuel González
MG
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D003657:Decision Making; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods; D023281:Genomics; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D040901:Proteomics; D012307:Risk Factors