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Molecular Profile

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Male Breast Cancer

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Abstract

Examination and comparison of MBC and FBC at a molecular level reveals striking and potentially exploitable differences. Over 90% of MBC are ER+ve compared with approximately 70% of FBC. Androgen receptor mutations may be responsible for occasional MBC cases but for the majority no clear link has been shown. MIB1 is not of prognostic significance in MBC, nor is bcl2 expression. The molecular subtypes of MBC are predominantly luminal A, sometimes luminal B, rarely basal and very rarely HER2. Two MBC genomic subgroups have been described: male-complex and male-simple and the latter appears to be a male specific type. The Oncotype DX test may be useful in determining likely prognosis and suitability for chemotherapy in node negative MBC. Overexpression of cell cycle proteins such as cyclin-D and c-myc is associated with reduced lymphatic involvement and longer disease-free survival. Assembly of tissue banks of MBC will enable a greater understanding of the molecular profile and open the door to new specific therapies.

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  1. Research Oncology, Guy’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom

    Ian Fentiman

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Fentiman, I. (2017). Molecular Profile. In: Male Breast Cancer. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04669-3_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04669-3_6

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-04669-3

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