Metaplastic breast cancer: Clinical traits and outcomes. G. R. Gibson, L. Lai; City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA Abstract: Background: Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast is a rare neoplasm with both epithelial and mesenchymal elements and represents less than 5% of all breast cancer. Because little data exist regarding progression, treatment, and overall outcome in patients with this subtype of breast cancer, we sought to review our institutional experience. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who were diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer from 1991 to 2003. All patients who presented with metastatic disease were excluded. Results: We identified 21 patients. Mean primary tumor size was 4.62 cm (range, 1.4-12.0 cm). Eight patients (38%) had axillary node involvement at presentation. Of the 21 patients, 2 (9.5%) were stage I; 12 (57%) were stage II; 7 (33%) were stage III. All the tumors were described as high grade. Nineteen (90%) of the tumors were estrogen and progesterone receptor negative. HER2/neu receptor expression was negative in all eight specimens tested. Seventeen (81%) of the patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. Of the 11 recurrences in 10 patients, 4 were local only, 4 were distant only, and 3 were local, regional and distant synchronously. No patient developed isolated axillary node recurrence. With a median follow up of 33 months (range, 4-106 mos.), the 4-year disease-specific survival and overall survival were 80% (95% CI: 54-100%) and 70% (95% CI: 44-96%) respectively. By multivariate analysis, nodal status had a significant impact on overall survival (p<0.05) whereas size and age did not. Conclusion: Metaplastic carcinoma is a unique and uncommon neoplasm of the breast. These lesions tend to be high-grade and large at presentation, although this does not appear to impact survival. Because recurrences tend to be local and metastatic, aggressive local control as well as adjuvant chemotherapy could impact outcome. Despite the apparent aggressiveness of the histology, the lack of hormone receptors, and the overwhelming number of patients who present at later stages, the survival data of this cohort of patients suggest a favorable prognosis. Abstract No: 844 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.