A rare case of metaplastic breast carcinoma from India: Towards precision oncology

Abstract

Abstract Background Metaplastic Breast Cancer (MpBC) is an exceedingly rare entity, accounting for less than 1% of all malignant breast tumours. Predominantly triple‐negative, they are notorious for their chemoresistance, high rates of recurrence and decreased disease‐free survival (DFS). All this contributes significantly to BC mortality and results in poor prognostic implications. Limited evidence has led to a lacuna of specific treatment guidelines for this entity and hence remains an uncharted territory for clinicians. Case We report a case of a 46 year old premenopausal female with left‐sided metaplastic triple negative T3N2aM0 BC with mesenchymal differentiation (high grade) whom we treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, primary surgery in the form of extreme oncoplasty and adjuvant radiotherapy by Telecobalt machine. Contrary to the expected aggressive course of the disease and poor prognosis of treatment, the patient is presently in remission without progression for over 2 years of follow up. Conclusion Limited experience in management of this pathological entity warrants the need for more research on it, with a special focus on targeted therapy. Discussing possibilities of a tailored approach, rather than a one‐size‐fits‐all approach may aid in paving the path for the future of MpBC treatment.

Keywords

• adenosquamoid differentiation
• adjuvant radiotherapy
• breast cancer
• metaplastic
• targeted therapy
• triple negative