BACKGROUND: We have previously reported an array comparative genomic 
hybridization profile that identifies triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC), 
with BRCA1 dysfunction and a high sensitivity to intensified dose bifunctional 
alkylating agents. To determine the effect of conventional-dose chemotherapy in 
patients with this so-called BRCA1-like profile, clinical characteristics and 
survival were studied in a large group of TNBC patients.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: DNA was isolated and BRCA1-like status was assessed in 101 
patients with early-stage TNBC receiving adjuvant cyclophosphamide-based 
chemotherapy. Clinical characteristics and survival were compared between 
BRCA1-like and non-BRCA1-like groups. Results Sixty-six tumors (65%) had a 
BRCA1-like profile. Patients with BRCA1-like tumors tended to be younger and had 
more often node-negative disease (P = 0.06 and P = 0.03, respectively). 
Five-year recurrence-free survival was 80% for the BRCA1-like group and 75% for 
the non-BRCA1-like group (P = 0.35). T stage was the only variable significantly 
associated with survival.
CONCLUSIONS: BRCA1-like tumors share clinical features, like young age at 
diagnosis and similar nodal status, with breast cancers in BRCA1 mutation 
carriers. Their prognosis is similar to that of non-BRCA1-like tumors when 
conventional-dose chemotherapy is administered. TNBCs that are classified as 
BRCA1-like may contain a defect in homologous recombination and could, in 
theory, benefit from the addition of poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors.