Is 'basal-like' carcinoma of the breast a distinct clinicopathological entity? A critical review with cautionary notes.

Abstract

This review deals with studies that have used cDNA microarrays and immunohistochemistry to identify a subtype of breast carcinoma known as basal-like carcinoma. The key breast carcinoma studies are critically discussed to highlight methodological problems in cohort selection, definitions, interpretation of results and statistical analysis. The review concludes that basal-like carcinomas do not reflect a single, biologically uniform group of breast cancers, but show significant variations in their phenotypes, grades, immunoprofiles and clinical behavior, just as a wide range of subtypes and behaviors is observed among epithelial/luminal-derived breast carcinomas. Well-designed studies with comparison of low-grade nonbasal versus low-grade basal and high-grade nonbasal versus high-grade basal carcinomas are necessary before one can be convinced that this subtype represents a distinct clinicopathological entity.

• Authors: Farid Moinfar
• Journal: Pathobiology : journal of immunopathology, molecular and cellular biology (Pathobiology) Vol. 75 Issue 2 Pg. 119-31 ( 2008) ISSN: 1423-0291 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 18544967 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemical References

• DNA, Neoplasm

Topics

• Breast Neoplasms (diagnosis, genetics, pathology)
• Carcinoma, Basal Cell (diagnosis, genetics, pathology)
• DNA, Neoplasm (genetics)
• Female
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
• Humans
• Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
• Phenotype