The network of pluripotency, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and prognosis of breast cancer

Abstract

Ioannis A Voutsadakis1,2 1Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Sault Area Hospital, Sault Ste Marie, ON, Canada; 2Division of Clinical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada Abstract: Breast cancer is the leading female cancer in terms of prevalence. Progress in molecular biology has brought forward a better understanding of its pathogenesis that has led to better prognostication and treatment. Subtypes of breast cancer have been identified at the genomic level and guide therapeutic decisions based on their biology and the expected benefit from various interventions. Despite this progress, a significant percentage of patients die from their disease and further improvements are needed. The cancer stem cell theory and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition are two comparatively novel concepts that have been introduced in the area of cancer research and are actively investigated. Both processes have their physiologic roots in normal development and common mediators have begun to surface. This review discusses the associations of these networks as a prognostic framework in breast cancer. Keywords: stem cells, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition