Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes as a biomarker in breast cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women in the United States and the Western world. The important question is what can be done to limit the human suffering associated with cancer and to reduce the burden on society? One solution is early detection. Early diagnosis of breast cancer before symptoms emerge is the most effective prevention of breast cancer. Currently, mammography is the gold standard for breast cancer screening. The procedure is suggested and often reimbursed for women between the ages of 50 and 75. Yet it is presumed that between 15 and 25 % of women with early-stage breast cancers are presently missed by commonly used diagnostic procedures such as mammography. Since breast cancer is also diagnosed in an increasing number of younger women, the screening strategy should be modified. Hence, oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes could be used as biomarkers for early detection of breast cancer. Eventually, researchers aim to use the molecular data collected from an individual tumor for prognostication and personalized therapy for each patient. Genetic profiles of tumors are now providing information about clinical outcome, and some prognostic and predictive indicators have appeared based on this research. In the near future, prospective tissue collection for molecular analysis may become routine in order to classify patients for alternative treatment options and to optimize treatment strategies based on molecular structure of the cancer.