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Translational Aspects in Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma
Elizve Nairoby Barrientos-Toro1, Qingqing Ding2, Maria Gabriela Raso1
1Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Cancers
|April 13, 2024
Summary
Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MpBC) is a rare, aggressive breast cancer subtype, predominantly triple-negative breast carcinoma (TNBC). Research explores its unique characteristics and the tumor immune microenvironment for novel therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MpBC) is a rare, heterogeneous invasive breast carcinoma.
- MpBCs are predominantly triple-negative breast carcinomas (TNBCs), characterized by aggressive behavior, chemoresistance, and lower survival rates compared to other TNBCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize current knowledge on Metaplastic breast carcinoma.
- To explore translational aspects and therapeutic strategies, focusing on the tumor immune microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on MpBC.
- Analysis of histological classifications and molecular characteristics.
- Exploration of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in MpBC.
Main Results:
- MpBC exhibits distinct histological subtypes, with most being high-grade.
- The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key feature, involving loss of epithelial markers and gain of mesenchymal traits, leading to increased invasiveness.
- MpBCs show poorer response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and lower survival rates.
Conclusions:
- MpBC presents a significant clinical challenge due to its aggressive nature and treatment resistance.
- Understanding the tumor immune microenvironment and EMT in MpBC is crucial for developing effective therapeutic interventions.
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