E5155. Beyond Breast: Breast Cancer Metastasis Based on Molecular Subtypes
Authors
Shadi Daghighi;
SUNY Upstate
Haydee Ojeda-Fournier;
UCSD
Soudabeh Fazeli;
UCSD
Background
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in American women and is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Breast cancer is a genetically and clinically heterogeneous disease and can be classified based on the tumor's histologic features or molecular characteristics. There are four major molecular subtypes of breast cancer: luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched, and triple-negative (basal-like). Each subtype has varying prognoses, progression risk, treatment response, and survival outcome; luminal A tumors have the best prognosis. The purpose of this presentation is to review different subtypes of breast cancer and common distant sites of metastasis based on the molecular subtype.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
1. Review different histological and molecular subtypes of breast cancer. 2. Learn the incidence and patterns of metastatic disease in various subtypes. 3. Identify clinical presentation and imaging features of distant metastases.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
Luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched, and triple-negative (basal-like). Mammogram, CT, and MRI.
Conclusion
Breast cancer stands as the most prevalent malignancy among American women and a leading contributor to cancer-related mortality on a global scale. Based on the tumor's histologic features or molecular characteristics, there are four major molecular subtypes of breast cancer: luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched, and triple-negative (basal-like). In this exhibit, breast cancer's divergent character is brought into sharper focus, with each subtype bringing distinct prognoses, treatment responses, and survival prospects, with basal-like tumors have the worst. The different subtypes also show distinct patterns of metastases. For example, the HER2-enriched subtypes have a higher incidence of liver metastasis, and triple-negative breast cancers primarily present with brain or lung metastases. Familiarity with the different breast cancer subtypes and their unique metastatic behavior can help determine suitable follow-up strategies and guide personalized treatment.
