Distinct molecular signature of inflammatory breast cancer by cDNA microarray analysis

Abstract

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a clinically distinct and aggressive form of locally advanced breast cancer with largely unknown genetic determinants. Overexpression of the RhoC GTPase and of HER2, and decreased ER-expression are involved in IBC. Multimodality treatment has increased survival but prognosis is still poor. Novel molecular targets for improved neoadjuvant treatment are necessary. Using cDNA microarrays, we performed genome-wide expression profiling of pre-treatment tumour samples of 16 patients with IBC and 18 patients with non-stage-matched non-IBC. Rigid clinical diagnostic criteria according to the TNM classification of the American Joint Committee on Cancer were adopted..