Breast cancer is a common but biologically diverse group of malignancy, with considerable heterogeneity in behavior, outcome and response to therapy.Recent gene expression profile studies have led to sub-classification of breast cancers into 5 subtypes-luminal A, luminal B, normal breast-like, HER2 (ERBB2) positive and basal-like carcinomas.Of these, the group of basal-like carcinomas has been associated with the poorest outcome.This group of tumours are usually high grade, and often, though not invariably, negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and HER2, i.e.triple negative phenotype.Given the particularly unfavorable outcome and current lack of specific therapy in triple negative cancers, there is a need for further research looking specifically at this biologically distinct group in order to provide data of prognostic value and ultimately improve treatment options for this group of patients.