Article of the month
The Most-Cited Article in Mastology
Renan Gomes do Nascimento, the lead author of “Histological and molecular classification of breast cancer: what do we know?”, together with co-author Kaléu Mormino Otoni, produced a comprehensive review that has become the most-cited article published in Mastology. This achievement highlights the authors’ valuable contribution to understanding the biological complexity and clinical diversity of breast cancer.
Published in 2020, the article provides a broad overview of the main histological and molecular classifications of the disease. The authors discuss invasive breast carcinoma of no special type, which accounts for most diagnoses, as well as less frequent histological types, including tubular, mucinous, medullary, metaplastic, apocrine, cribriform, neuroendocrine, and lobular carcinomas. This morphological diversity reinforces that breast cancer is not a single disease, but rather a heterogeneous group of tumors with distinct clinical behavior, prognosis, and therapeutic response.
Regarding molecular classification, the review examines the four major subtypes incorporated into clinical practice: luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched, and triple-negative breast cancer. The integration of hormone receptor, HER2, and Ki-67 status provides a practical approximation of intrinsic molecular subtypes, supporting prognostic assessment and systemic treatment selection. The article also addresses multigene assays, such as Oncotype DX, MammaPrint, and PAM50, which can refine recurrence-risk estimates and contribute to more individualized chemotherapy decisions.
Another important aspect is the discussion of intratumoral heterogeneity, multidrug resistance, and the limitations of conventional classification systems. These topics remain central to contemporary oncology because they help explain why apparently similar tumors may follow markedly different clinical courses and respond differently to treatment.
The high number of citations received by this review reflects its value as a reference for researchers, pathologists, breast surgeons, oncologists, and students. By presenting fundamental concepts in a clear and integrated manner, the authors helped strengthen the connection between pathological classification, tumor biology, and precision medicine.
Mastology is pleased to recognize this outstanding contribution, which has increased the visibility of the research published by the journal and remains highly relevant to breast cancer diagnosis, prognostic stratification, and personalized treatment.
