Abstract
Although the molecular and genetic determinants of most sporadic breast cancers remain unknown, increasing understanding of molecular and genetic events affecting breast carcinogenesis has provided information about the potential roles of specific biomarkers in tumour development and spread. It is now recognised that mutations of some tumour suppressor genes appear to play important early roles in the formation of some breast cancers. In addition, alterations in proto-oncogenes may contribute to the development of some breast cancers. The study of breast tumour biology at the molecular level has led to the development of targeted drug design, which provides a variety of agents targeted at specific molecules for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. This review will describe the recognised molecular targets in breast cancer.
MeSH terms
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Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology
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Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Animals
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacology
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
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Anticarcinogenic Agents / therapeutic use
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Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
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Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
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Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / pharmacology
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Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use
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Apoptosis / drug effects
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Breast Neoplasms / blood supply
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Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
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Breast Neoplasms / genetics
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Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
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Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control
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Cell Cycle Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
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Cell Cycle Proteins / physiology
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Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / pharmacology
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Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Drug Design*
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Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
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Epigenesis, Genetic
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Estrogen Receptor Modulators / pharmacology
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Estrogen Receptor Modulators / therapeutic use
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Female
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
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Genetic Predisposition to Disease
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Humans
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Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / drug therapy
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Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / prevention & control
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Neoplasm Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
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Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
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Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / drug therapy
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Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / genetics
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Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / metabolism
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Oncogenes
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Rats
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Retinoids / pharmacology
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Retinoids / therapeutic use
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Signal Transduction / drug effects
Substances
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Angiogenesis Inhibitors
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Anticarcinogenic Agents
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
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Cell Cycle Proteins
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Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
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Estrogen Receptor Modulators
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Neoplasm Proteins
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Retinoids