Molecular biology of inflammatory breast cancer: applications to diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy

Breast Dis. 2005:22:25-34. doi: 10.3233/bd-2006-22104.

Abstract

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) presents with unique clinical characteristics (erythema, warming, peau d'orange), rapid progression, and poor survival compared to non-IBC breast cancers. Modern combined modality treatment has significantly improved overall survival. However, IBC treatment remains a major challenge. Recently, rapid progress has been made in the molecular characterization of IBC. In this review, we discuss the current advances in understanding the genetic determinants of IBC with emphasis on their present and potential applications to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / genetics*
  • Adenocarcinoma / mortality*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / therapy
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / mortality*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Incidence
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Biology
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prognosis
  • Rare Diseases
  • Risk Assessment
  • Survival Analysis