Understanding heterogeneity in pregnancy-associated breast cancer

Abstract

Breast cancers diagnosed during pregnancy are generally in their advanced stages. These cancers occurring during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum are termed as pregnancy associated breast cancer. Recent genomic studies by Harvell et. al. was the first large scale study that attempted to identify molecular signatures associated with pregnancy associated breast cancer. In this study, we have rigorously analyzed the data with a view to identify features involved in within-class and between-class separation. The results reveal features that are unique between classes, as well as point to the importance of understanding heterogeneity within the same class.