Published online Dec 6, 2020. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i23.6036
Peer-review started: May 15, 2020
First decision: August 8, 2020
Revised: August 18, 2020
Accepted: October 26, 2020
Article in press: October 26, 2020
Published online: December 6, 2020
Processing time: 170 Days and 18.9 Hours
Apocrine 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.
A 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.
HER-2 positive apocrine carcinoma of the breast can be improved by neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy.
Core Tip: A woman 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. 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.