From the Research
Breast apocrine carcinoma should be treated with a comprehensive approach, prioritizing surgical removal of the tumor, followed by targeted therapies based on molecular characteristics, such as androgen receptor positivity, and regular follow-up care to monitor for recurrence, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Key Characteristics of Breast Apocrine Carcinoma
- Rare subtype of breast cancer, accounting for approximately 1-4% of all breast cancers
- Characterized by distinctive microscopic features, including abundant granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm and prominent nucleoli
- Often estrogen and progesterone receptor negative, but frequently express androgen receptors
- May express Her-2/neu protein, making them eligible for targeted therapies
Treatment Approach
- Surgical removal of the tumor through lumpectomy or mastectomy
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy to check for spread
- Radiation therapy, particularly after breast-conserving surgery
- Systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy (if hormone receptor-positive), or targeted therapies depending on specific tumor characteristics
- Consideration of anti-androgen therapy, such as bicalutamide, in cases with androgen receptor positivity
Prognosis and Follow-up Care
- Prognosis generally similar to that of other invasive ductal carcinomas of the same stage and grade
- Regular follow-up care essential, including physical examinations and imaging studies to monitor for recurrence
- Genetic counseling recommended, especially if there is a family history of breast or ovarian cancer Some key points to consider when treating breast apocrine carcinoma include:
- The importance of comprehensive cancer profiling to identify potential therapeutic targets 1
- The potential for anti-androgen resistance biomarkers, such as ARv7 and AR/NCOA2 co-amplification, in a subset of AR+ apocrine carcinomas 1
- The need for individualized treatment approaches, taking into account the unique molecular characteristics of each patient's tumor 1