Systematic Validation Of Breast Cancer Biomarkers Using Tissue Microarrays: From Construction To Image Analysis

Fundamental changes are occurring in our approach to breast cancer research, including diagnosis and treatment. Omic-based discovery approaches, such as DNA-microarray gene expression profiling, are in part responsible for this shift (Brennan et al., 2005; McGee et al., 2006). These high-throughput technologies represent powerful tools capable of identifying breast cancer biomarkers. Promising biomarkers can then be studied using tissue microarrays (TMAs) that allow for omic-scale pathological screening and validation (Hoos and Cordon-Cardo, 2001). It is hoped that the incorporation of the tools and techniques of molecular biology into the routine management of breast cancer patients will result in: (1) better disease classification, (2) identification of patients who will derive most benefit from treatment, and (3) assist in the discovery of less toxic, targeted treatments. Such objectives should bring us closer to the ultimate goal of personalized management of cancer.