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Small-cell breast carcinoma with response to atezolizumab: a case report
Nicholas Stimes1, Laura Stanbery2, Mary Albrethsen3
1College of Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH 43614, USA.
Abstract:
Background: Small-cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare disease with little research outlining molecular targets or optimal therapeutic management. We summarize a young female patient with poorly differentiated high-grade carcinoma with neuroendocrine features/small-cell carcinoma. Case presentation: A 31-year-old female presented with a large left breast mass. Initial biopsy revealed small-cell, triple-negative breast carcinoma. Treatment consisted of cisplatin and etoposide but was poorly tolerated and discontinued after one cycle. Combination abraxane/atezolizumab resulted in transient partial response in tumor size with 7 months of progression-free stability. Worsening metastatic disease was found 8 months after initial biopsy on radiologic studies and the patient expired 10 months after initial biopsy. Conclusion: Transient benefit in response to combination abraxane/atezolizumab was demonstrated.
Insights
Small-cell breast cancer is rare. Combination abraxane/atezolizumab showed transient tumor response in a young patient with this aggressive triple-negative breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Breast Cancer Research
Background:
- Small-cell breast carcinoma is a rare entity.
- Limited research exists on molecular targets and optimal treatment for this aggressive cancer.
- This case highlights a young patient with high-grade, neuroendocrine breast carcinoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of small-cell, triple-negative breast carcinoma in a young female.
- To evaluate the treatment response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy in this rare breast cancer subtype.
Main Methods:
- A case presentation of a 31-year-old female with a large left breast mass.
- Initial treatment with cisplatin and etoposide, followed by combination abraxane/atezolizumab.
- Radiologic assessment of tumor response and disease progression.
Main Results:
- Initial biopsy confirmed small-cell, triple-negative breast carcinoma.
- Cisplatin and etoposide were poorly tolerated and discontinued.
- Abraxane/atezolizumab combination yielded a transient partial response and 7 months of progression-free stability.
- Disease progression was noted 8 months post-biopsy, with patient expiration at 10 months.
Conclusions:
- Combination abraxane/atezolizumab demonstrated transient clinical benefit in a patient with small-cell breast cancer.
- This rare breast cancer subtype presents significant treatment challenges.
