Metaplastic breast cancer: clinical overview and molecular aberrations for potential targeted therapy

Curr Oncol Rep. 2015 Mar;17(3):431. doi: 10.1007/s11912-014-0431-z.

Abstract

Metaplastic breast cancer is a rare subtype of invasive mammary carcinoma, with an aggressive behavior and usually poor outcome. Responses to systemic chemotherapy are suboptimal compared to patients with standard invasive ductal carcinoma. Limited data are available in regards to best treatment modalities, including chemotherapy. This review gives an overview of metaplastic breast cancer and its clinical and pathologic characteristics, in addition to treatment strategies, clinical trials, and future directions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / secondary
  • Carcinoma* / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma* / genetics
  • Carcinoma* / pathology
  • Carcinoma* / secondary
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
  • Prognosis
  • Rare Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Rare Diseases* / genetics
  • Rare Diseases* / pathology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents