Voltage gated ion channels and breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the leading form of cancer in women worldwide. Despite extensive research efforts to develop detection methods and treatment, mortality remains high. Biomarkers and therapeutic targets are needed. Tumoral cell express ion channels which may serve both functions. Expression of specific ion channels by neoplastic cells within tissues that normally do not express those channels, or expression of embryonic splice variants may be useful markers for early detection. Ion channels associated with metastatic potential or cell migration may also be useful therapeutic targets.