Deconstructing Breast Cancer Heterogeneity: Clinical Implications for Women with Basal-like Tumors
Public Deposited- Last Modified
- February 26, 2019
- Creator
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Rattani, Nabila Siraj
- Affiliation: School of Nursing
- Abstract
- Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease comprising five major subtypes including luminal A, luminal B, HER2, basal-like, and normal breast-like tumors. Of the five subtypes of breast cancer, the basal-like subtype has the shortest survival and poorest prognosis. This subtype accounts for 10-20% of all breast cancers and is particularly problematic due to its aggressive nature. Moreover, these tumors currently have limited treatment options, due in part to the absence of growth factor receptors ER, PR, and HER2, which are often used as clinical targets in breast cancer therapies. A review of the literature was conducted using multiple databases, journal publications, and citation indices to comprehensively understand the genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors contributing to the basal-like subtype. Beginning with a diagnosis of basal-like breast cancer, through aggressive treatment and post-treatment follow-up, oncology nurses play a pivotal role in providing holistic care and support for these patients. Therefore, it is imperative that they understand the complexity of the clinical presentation, as well as the current therapies and the underlying biology of this cancer subtype.
- Date of publication
- spring 2014
- Keyword
- DOI
- Resource type
- Rights statement
- In Copyright
- Note
- Funding: None
- Advisor
- Swift-Scanlan, Theresa
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science
- Honors level
- Honors
- Degree granting institution
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Extent
- 26
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