Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous and aggressive malignancy. Due to the absence of estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors and the lack of overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, TNBC responds poorly to endocrine and targeted therapies. As a neoadjuvant therapy, chemotherapy is usually the only option for TNBC; however, chemotherapy may induce tumor resistance. The emergence of immunotherapy as an adjuvant therapy is expected to make up for the deficiency of chemotherapy. Most of the research on immunotherapies has been performed on advanced metastatic TNBC, which has provided significant clinical benefits. In the present review, possible immunotherapy targets and ongoing immunotherapy strategies were discussed. In addition, progress in research on immune checkpoint inhibitors in early TNBC was outlined.
Contents1. Introduction 2. Breast cancer immune microenvironment 3. Immune checkpoint inhibition 4. Combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy 5. Other immunotherapies 6. Genomics and immunotherapy 7. Immunotherapy and adverse events 8. Conclusions
Rationale:Malignant phyllodes tumors with osteosarcomatous transformation are exceedingly rare. The clinical manifestations are similar to those associated with benign giant calcification, resulting in nonspecific and complex clinical symptoms.Patient concerns:A 59-year-old woman presented with a firm, painless, movable, 5.0 × 4.0 cm lump in the lower inner quadrant of the left breast that she had detected 1 month prior.Diagnoses:Breast osteosarcoma originating from a malignant phyllodes tumor was confirmed by histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluation.Interventions:The patient underwent a wide local excision.Outcomes:The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged after the operation. The 6-month postoperative follow-up assessment revealed no evidence of recurrence.Lessons:Diagnosing malignant phyllodes tumors with osteosarcomatous transformation requires a high level of suspicion and awareness by both surgeons and pathologists. They should be aware of the extent of such disease, which might be mistaken as benign giant calcification. Medical history and imaging findings are important for accurate diagnosis. Phyllodes tumor with an osteosarcomatous component is an aggressive neoplasm associated with distant metastasis. Delayed diagnosis and insufficient excision might negatively impact both treatment and survival.
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