Lessons learned from the intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer in the quest for precision therapy

摘要: Background Wide variability in breast cancer, between patients and within each individual neoplasm, adds confounding complexity to the treatment of disease. In clinical practice, hormone receptor status has been used classify tumours guide treatment. Modern classification systems should take wide tumour heterogeneity into account improve patient outcome. Methods This article reviews identification intrinsic molecular subtypes their prognostic therapeutic implications, impact on cancer progression The possibility functionally addressing tumour-specific characteristics vivo models inform decisions for precision therapies is also discussed. Results Despite robust system provided by gene expression profiling, evident these portraits. A complicating factor process selective clonality developing neoplasms. Phenotypically distinct clones representing intratumour might confuse classification. Molecular portraits heterogeneous primary not necessarily reflect subclone cells that causes disease relapse. Studies reciprocal relationships cell subpopulations are therefore needed, possible only genetically engineered mouse or patient-derived xenograft models, which treatment-induced selection pressure can be mimicked. Conclusion In future, more refined classifications, based integration information at several levels, required guidelines. Large-scale translational research efforts paved way subtypes, still fundamental ensuring future progress care.