Gene diagnostics provide new insights into breast cancer prognosis and therapy.

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer of women in developed countries. It is not surprising, therefore, that major research efforts have been made to improve early detection and treatment strategies directed at this malignancy. In this keynote article, we outline future perspectives on breast cancer genetics, risk factors and prognostic factors, focusing on novel developments relating to the estrogen receptor and the family of ErbB growth factor receptors.