Neoadjuvant targeted therapy for apocrine carcinoma of the breast: A case report

• Published in: World journal of clinical cases 2020, Vol.8 (23), p.6036-6042
• Main Authors: Yang, Ping, Peng, Shu-Jia, Dong, Yan-Ming, Yang, Lin, Yang, Zhen-Yu, Hu, Xi-E, Bao, Guo-Qiang
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2307-8960; 2307-8960
• DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i23.6036

BACKGROUNDApocrine carcinoma of the breast is a special type of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast that is rare in clinical practice. Neoadjuvant therapy, especially neoadjuvant targeted therapy, has rarely been reported for apocrine carcinoma of the breast. CASE SUMMARYA 63-year-old woman presented with apocrine carcinoma of the left breast underwent core needle biopsy. The patient was diagnosed with apocrine carcinoma by immunohistochemical staining and negative hormone status (estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor) but showed overexpression of human epidermal factor receptor 2 (HER-2). Moreover, positive expression of androgen receptor (approximately 60%) and gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 was observed. The patient was treated with neoadjuvant targeted therapy consisting of the TCH regimen (docetaxel, carboplatin area under curve 6 and trastuzumab) every 21 d. The mass in the left breast was significantly reduced, and pain in the breast and left upper arm also improved. CONCLUSIONHER-2 positive apocrine carcinoma of the breast can be improved by neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy.