A case of mucinous carcinoma of the breast that demonstrated a good pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy despite a poor clinical response

Breast Cancer. 2006;13(1):100-3. doi: 10.2325/jbcs.13.100.

Abstract

A 30-year-old woman presented with a right breast tumor. Mucinous carcinoma was diagnosed by core needle biopsy (T2: 5 cm N1 M0). Despite receiving a neoadjuvant anthracycline and taxane regimen, the patient demonstrated no clinical response (NC). Based on the patient's strong preference, we performed breast-conserving surgery. On histological examination, we observed widespread mucus and a few viable malignant cells, a Grade 2 therapeutic response. Neither optimal management procedures nor guidelines for chemotherapy for primary mucinous carcinoma of the breast have been established. It is a reasonable assumption, however, that discordance between the clinical response and therapeutic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy may occur in cases of mucinous carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / drug therapy*
  • Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / surgery
  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Epirubicin / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy*
  • Paclitaxel / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Epirubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Paclitaxel
  • Fluorouracil