BRCA1 tumours also harbour p53 mutations (Sensi et al, 2003) and express basal and myoepithelial markers such as cytokeratins (CK) 5, CK14, α-actin and p63 in keeping with a basal-like phenotype (Jacquemier et al, 2005; Laakso et al, 2005; Lakhani et al, 2005). This evidence concerns the gene BRCA1 and neoplasm.