Molecular Profile in Breast Cancer Treatment

Introduction: In the past decade, breast cancer prognosis has significantly improved due to early diagnosis, an improvement in molecular characterization and innovative treatments availability. Breast cancer represents a heterogeneous disease, where different biological subtypes show disease-specific outcomes, that is different response to applied treatment and different prognosis. Method: Current literature review was performed, providing up-todate overview of literature and clinical trials in breast cancer molecular profile topics. Overview: Standard approach to breast cancer treatment depends on the stage of the disease as well as the clinical and pathological characteristics of the tumor. Gene expression profiling and next generation sequencing can provide additional insight into tumor biology and response to treatment. Available literature shows that the molecular profile of breast cancer has a significant impact on tumor development, plays a role in determining therapy type and response to it, as well as overall survival and progression free survival. Unlike systemic therapy, the role of the molecular profile and its influence on the response to the radiation therapy has not yet been precisely defined and widely applied in clinical practice, although individual studies have been published that have shown that certain types of breast cancer have a significant benefit from the radiation therapy. Conclusion: The molecular subtype of breast cancer, in combination with the characteristics of the patient and the disease itself, plays a significant role in the response to specific oncological treatment. Future knowledge will provide insight into the complex molecular mechanisms of breast cancer and its treatment responses.