Basal-like Breast Carcinoma: From Expression Profiling to Routine Practice

Abstract

Abstract Context.—Advances in the understanding of the molecular and genetic mechanisms of breast cancer have led to realization of the heterogeneity of the disease and the promise of a new era of individualized management for patients with breast cancer. The advent and use of high-throughput molecular methods for the study of breast cancer have brought to the forefront the existence of the so-called basal-like breast cancers, which have been shown to have distinct biologic and clinical characteristics. Objective.—To critically assess the clinicopathologic features of basal-like breast cancer, discuss the morphologic and immunophenotypic features of basal-like cancer, and explore the criteria that can be used to identify these tumors in routine practice. Data Sources.—A Medline/PubMed search was conducted using the terms “basal-like,” “(basal OR basaloid OR basal-like) AND breast cancer.” All articles in English language were retrieved and critically reviewed. Conclusions.—Basal-like breast cancers consti...