Basal-like breast cancer and the BRCA1 phenotype.
Breast cancers arising in germline carriers of BRCA1 mutations have a characteristic phenotype that has been shown in many studies to differentiate BRCA1 tumours from sporadic tumours. Recently, it has become clear that the characteristic phenotype of BRCA1 tumours is due to expression of the basal-like phenotype. We review these phenotypes, the evidence for BRCA1 pathway dysfunction in sporadic basal-like cancers, and discuss the clinical significance of the basal-like phenotype for cancer genetics and treatment.
Turner
N C
NC
The Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, Fulham Road, London, UK. nicholas.turner@icr.ac.uk
Reis-Filho
J S
JS
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D006580:Genetic Carrier Screening; D006801:Humans; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; D010641:Phenotype