Primary Culture of Breast Cancer: A Model System for Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Stem Cells

Background: A novel model system to study the cellular, molecular, and genetic characteristics of breast cancer stem cells is needed. Personalized prognostic models are indispensable for assessing the effect of so-called tailor-made adjuvant therapy. Materials and Methods: Surgically-extirpated tissues were dispersed with Dispase and cultured in commonly used medium. The expression of tumor markers was detected with immunohistochemistry, and gene expression profiles of tissues and cells were analyzed using the Agilent Human Microarray. Results: We established a primary culture, which exhibited mesenchymal morphology. The gene expression profile of the primary culture revealed that the cells underwent epithelial-mesenchymal transition and had cancer stem cell properties. Conclusion: A primary culture of breast cancer cells can be easily established and could be used for studying breast cancer stem cells and assessing treatment of a patient.