Characterization of breast cancer by array comparative genomic hybridization

Biochem Cell Biol. 2007 Aug;85(4):497-508. doi: 10.1139/O07-072.

Abstract

Cancer progression is due to the accumulation of recurrent genomic alterations that induce growth advantage and clonal expansion. Most of these genomic changes can be detected using the array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) technique. The accurate classification of these genomic alterations is expected to have an important impact on translational and basic research. Here we review recent advances in CGH technology used in the characterization of different features of breast cancer. First, we present bioinformatics methods that have been developed for the analysis of CGH arrays; next, we discuss the use of array CGH technology to classify tumor stages and to identify and stratify subgroups of patients with different prognoses and clinical behaviors. We finish our review with a discussion of how CGH arrays are being used to identify oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and breast cancer susceptibility genes.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Computational Biology
  • Cytogenetic Analysis / methods
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling* / methods
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis* / methods
  • Prognosis