title: Molecular diagnostic testing in breast cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An overview of molecular tests used in the treatment of breast cancer, organized by stage and clinical condition.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic review of scientific literature, guideline recommendations, and data published by test manufacturers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Several molecular tests that analyze expression of cancer-related genes have been validated in clinical trials and are recommended by clinical practice guidelines to inform diagnosis and treatment decisions for personalized interventions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Molecular testing has become an important part of patient care for those with breast cancer. Oncology nurses must understand this methodology to prescribe tests, interpret the results, and provide guidance to patients.
authors.forename: Brygida
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Berse
authors.forename: Julie A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lynch
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000451:nursing; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor
keywords: Breast gene expression; breast cancer subtypes; molecular diagnostics; molecular test