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Basal-like subtype of breast cancer: a review of its unique characteristics and their clinical significance

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Abstract

Subtyping of breast cancers by means of DNA microarray analyses has given rise to the new concept of the basal-like subtype; this subtype is in effect the equivalent of so-called “triple-negative” breast cancer. Basal-like breast cancer has aggressive characteristics, such as high histological grade, mutation of the TP53 gene, and negative hormone receptors. It tends to occur in relatively young women and is highly correlated with suppression of BRCA1 function. The EGFR gene is often overexpressed in this subtype. Here, research carried out in the last few years into the basal-like subtype of breast cancer will be reviewed.

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Abbreviations

BRCA1:

Breast cancer 1

ER:

Estrogen receptor

PgR:

Progesterone receptor

HER2:

Human epidermal growth factor receptor type2

EGFR:

Epidermal growth factor receptor

HG:

Histological grade

pCR:

Pathological complete response

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Acknowledgments

The specimen for the cytokeratin staining was kindly provided by Dr. H. Yamashita and T. Toyama, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science.

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  1. Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Nagoya City University Hospital, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, 467-8602, Japan

    Shunzo Kobayashi

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Correspondence to Shunzo Kobayashi.

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Kobayashi, S. Basal-like subtype of breast cancer: a review of its unique characteristics and their clinical significance. Breast Cancer 15, 153–158 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-008-0034-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-008-0034-3

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