Molecular alterations in metaplastic breast carcinoma.
Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast is a rare and heterogeneous subtype of breast carcinoma with a generally poor outcome, and few therapeutic options once disease recurs or progresses. Metaplastic carcinomas of the breast are usually of a larger size at diagnosis, with less frequent nodal metastasis compared with invasive ductal carcinoma no special type, and lack hormone and HER2 receptor expression. Recent research has revealed some potentially actionable genetic changes in a subset of these rare tumours. However, ongoing efforts to further characterise the genetic basis and the molecular alterations underlying the distinctive morphological and clinical characteristics of these tumours are needed in order to identify new targets for treatment. This review will describe the theories of pathogenesis of metaplastic breast carcinoma, and highlight genetic changes and potential therapeutic targets in this generally poor prognosis malignancy.
Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia. caroline.cooper@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
Caroline Louise
CL
Cooper
Rooshdiya Z
RZ
Karim
Christina
C
Selinger
Hugh
H
Carmalt
C Soon
CS
Lee
Sandra A
SA
O'Toole
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D058750:Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008679:Metaplasia; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D015398:Signal Transduction
Breast; Breast Cancer; Breast Pathology; Molecular Pathology