Of the estimated 1 million cases of breast cancer diagnosed annually worldwide, it is
estimated that over 170,000 will harbor the triple-negative (estrogen receptor/progesterone
receptor/HER2—negative) phenotype. Most, though not all, triple-negative breast cancers
will be basal-like on gene expression micorarrays. The basal-like molecular subtype exhibits
a unique molecular profile and set of risk factors, aggressive and early pattern of metastasis,
limited treatment options, and poor prognosis. Large population-based studies have …