Subtype and pathway specific responses to anticancer compounds in breast cancer

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Feb 21;109(8):2724-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1018854108. Epub 2011 Oct 14.

Abstract

Breast cancers are comprised of molecularly distinct subtypes that may respond differently to pathway-targeted therapies now under development. Collections of breast cancer cell lines mirror many of the molecular subtypes and pathways found in tumors, suggesting that treatment of cell lines with candidate therapeutic compounds can guide identification of associations between molecular subtypes, pathways, and drug response. In a test of 77 therapeutic compounds, nearly all drugs showed differential responses across these cell lines, and approximately one third showed subtype-, pathway-, and/or genomic aberration-specific responses. These observations suggest mechanisms of response and resistance and may inform efforts to develop molecular assays that predict clinical response.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / classification*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Female
  • Gene Dosage / genetics
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Transcription, Genetic / drug effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents