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Biology and Novel Targets in Metaplastic Breast Cancer

  • Systemic Therapy (J O’Shaughnessy, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Metaplastic breast cancer represents a spectrum of histologic subtypes with the common feature of divergent morphologic differentiation. Most of these subtypes are associated with chemotherapy resistance and an increased likelihood of developing distant metastatic disease, which has been associated with a poor prognosis. However, recent molecular characterization has indicated that some metaplastic cancers may respond to targeted therapy regimens currently undergoing evaluation in early phase clinical trials. In this review, the pathologic characteristics and epidemiology of metaplastic breast cancer are discussed along with novel therapeutic agents that may augment standard chemotherapy for this intriguing type of breast cancer.

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  1. S. L. Moulder-Thompson

    Present address: , 1155 Pressler Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

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  1. Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Unit 1354, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 301438, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    S. L. Moulder-Thompson

  2. Department of Phase I Program, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 301438, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    S. L. Moulder-Thompson

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Moulder-Thompson, S.L. Biology and Novel Targets in Metaplastic Breast Cancer. Curr Breast Cancer Rep 4, 48–55 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-011-0064-2

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