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Updated: Jun 26, 2025
Modeling Breast Cancer in Human Breast Tissue using a Microphysiological System
Published on: April 23, 2021
[Male breast cancer: a lesser-known battle]
Hinde Benchaa1, Athina Stravodimou1
1Service d'oncologie médicale, Département d'oncologie, Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois, 1011 Lausanne.
Abstract:
Breast cancer in men is a rare and understudied disease. Until recently, prospective studies and clinical trials on breast cancer treatments often excluded men. Treatment recommendations were generally extrapolated from the results of clinical trials that included only women. Significant efforts have been made to better understand the biological characteristics, the most effective treatments, and the outcomes of breast cancer in men, as well as to identify clinically relevant differences of this disease. This article reviews the current data on the epidemiology, pathological and clinical characteristics, as well as the treatment of breast cancer in men.
Insights
Male breast cancer is rare and historically understudied, with treatments often based on female-only trials. Recent efforts aim to improve understanding of male breast cancer epidemiology, characteristics, and effective treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Men's Health
Background:
- Male breast cancer is a rare condition.
- Historically, research and clinical trials predominantly focused on female breast cancer patients.
- Treatment guidelines for men were often extrapolated from female-specific data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current data on male breast cancer.
- To understand the epidemiology, pathology, and clinical characteristics of breast cancer in men.
- To identify effective treatment strategies and outcomes for male breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of current epidemiological data.
- Analysis of pathological and clinical characteristics.
- Synthesis of available treatment information.
Main Results:
- Male breast cancer is understudied compared to female breast cancer.
- Significant differences may exist in biological characteristics and treatment responses.
- Efforts are ongoing to better define optimal management.
Conclusions:
- Further research is crucial to address the specific needs of male breast cancer patients.
- Understanding the unique aspects of male breast cancer will improve patient outcomes.
- This review consolidates current knowledge on male breast cancer epidemiology, characteristics, and treatment.
