A rare case of metaplastic breast carcinoma from India: Towards
precision oncology
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 left-sided low-grade metaplastic triple negative T3N2aM0 BC treated
with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, primary surgery, and adjuvant
radiotherapy, presently in remission. 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.