BRCA1 and cancer: Common molecular changes observed in TNBC include p53 mutation, EGFR over-expression, and dysfunction in the BRCA1 pathway.14 The BRCA1 tumor suppressor protein is a critical mediator of DNA repair in response to double-strand breaks.18–21 Breast cancers with BRCA1 dysfunction show a high frequency of chromosomal abnormalities.22–24 In addition, since BRCA1 mediates repair of DNA strand breaks, loss of BRCA1 makes cancer cells more susceptible to apoptosis after treatment with DNA damaging drugs such as anthracyclines and platinum agents.25