Metaplastic breast cancer: an old histotype but a current therapeutic problem

• Published in: Future oncology (London, England) England), 2021-03, Vol.17 (8), p.955-963
• Main Authors: Gadaleta-Caldarola, Gennaro, Nenna, Rosanna, Lanotte, Laura, Doronzo, Antonio, Gadaleta-Caldarola, Arianna, Roma, Ileana de, Lombardi, Lucia, Infusino, Stefania
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: immunotherapy; metaplastic breast cancer; targeted therapy; triple-negative breast cancer
• ISSN: 1479-6694; 1744-8301
• DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0490

Metaplastic breast cancer (MPBC) is a rare and aggressive tumor type in great need of satisfactory therapies. Although most cases of MPBC are ‘triple negative’, they are nonetheless related to worse outcomes compared with other triple-negative invasive tumors. MPBC presents high levels of genetic and molecular heterogeneity, suggesting that novel targeted therapies can be exploited. Overexpression of PD-L1 and high levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes have also been observed in these tumors, suggesting a role for immunotherapy. We present an updated literature revision on clinical, histopathological and molecular features of MPBC and their significance to prognosis and therapy options. We discuss emerging efforts to improve and personalize prognostic and therapeutic approaches, exploiting the molecular signature of MPBC with targeted therapies and immunotherapies.