A microarray is a new technology that is used to measure RNA from thousands of genes in a tissue sample or a tumor. This allows us the ability to determine which genes are turned 'on' or 'off' in the tumor. Each tissue (tumor) can be identified by its unique pattern of RNA expression. This pattern is often called a genomic profile, but it can also be called an expression profile or a molecular signature.
Doctors can use genomic profiles to compare gene expression patterns of tumors to normal tissue. Genomic profiles can also be used to look at differences between breast cancer tumors from different patients. The goal of our research is to determine if we can use a genomic profile to select, or guide, treatment for each individual patient based upon their tumor's gene expression pattern. Using genomic profiles we identify the types of breast cancers that are sensitive or resistant to commonly used chemotherapy agents. Our overall objective is to develop technology and procedures that open the doors to individualized care and more effective treatment for breast cancer patients.
Medical applications of genomic profiles include:
- Identifying tumors more likely to recur.
- Understanding how different breast tumors respond to different chemotherapies.
- Choosing a drug that will interfere with a specific part of the cancer cell machinery (targeted therapies).
- Using currently approved cancer drugs in new ways for more efficient treatment.