In order to mimic this scenario in vitro, and to ascertain its functional role, we exposed 2 FGFR1-non-amplified (MCF7, T-47D) and 1 FGFR1-amplified (HCC1428) breast cancer cell line to prolonged hormonal deprivation (> 2 years) (Fig. 2a). The gene discussed is FGFR1; the disease is breast cancer.