Open AccessAn Update on the Molecular Pathology of Metaplastic Breast Cancer
Author(s) -
Amy E. McCart Reed,
Emarene Kalaw,
Sunil R. Lakhani
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
breast cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.19
H-Index - 27
ISSN - 1179-1314
DOI - 10.2147/bctt.s296784
Subject(s) - medicine , surgical oncology , breast cancer , molecular pathology , pathology , cancer , oncology , bioinformatics , general surgery , gene , biology , genetics
Metaplastic breast cancer (MpBC) is a fascinating morphologic sub-type of breast cancer, characterised by intra-tumoural heterogeneity. By definition, these tumors show regions of metaplasia that can present as spindle, squamous, chondroid or even osseous differentiation. MpBC are typically triple-negative, and are therefore not targetable with hormone therapy or anti-HER2 therapies, leaving only chemotherapeutics for management. MpBC are known for their aggressive course and poor response to chemotherapy. We review herein the pathology and molecular landscape of MpBC and discuss opportunities for targetted therapies as well as immunotherapies.