Clinicopathological characteristics, diagnosis, and prognosis of pregnancy‐associated breast cancer

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics, diagnosis, prognosis, and effective treatment modalities of pregnancy‐associated breast cancer (PABC). Methods From 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2015, 142 patients with PABC were identified in the Cancer Institute and Hospital of Tianjin Medical University database. The clinicopathological features, treatment methods, and outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. Results The median age at diagnosis was 30 years. All patients presented with a palpable mass in the breast. The sensitivity of ultrasound and mammography in PABC diagnosis was 86% and 83.3%, respectively, which increased to 91.3% when a combination of mammography and ultrasound was used. The median tumor size was 5.5 cm, and 63.1% of patients had associated axillary lymph node metastases. The proportions of ER negative, PR negative and HER2 positive were 45.7%, 45.7% and 30%, respectively. The five‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were 76.8% and 63.5%, respectively. According to univariate analysis, T stage, N stage, and HER2 status were significant prognostic factors for OS and DFS. The time interval between the onset of the first symptom and the first meeting with a health professional was also significant for OS. Multivariate analysis showed that T stage and HER2 status were independent prognostic risk factors for OS and DFS. Conclusion PABC is an aggressive form of breast cancer associated with advanced stage at diagnosis. Despite the existing difficulties in diagnosis, imaging examinations are indispensable. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary therapy, including anti‐HER2 targeted therapy, may be important to improve prognosis.

Clinical features and survival of pregnancy-associated breast cancer: a retrospective study of 203 cases in China

“…We reviewed 25 studies conducted over the past 20 years to gain a deeper understanding of PABC ( Table 2). The incidence of PABC reportedly ranges from 0.2-3.8% [3,4,6]. PABC used to be a rare disease in China.…”

Experiences and challenges in the management of pregnancy-associated breast cancer at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital: a review of four cases

“…It is also the common malignancy in pregnancy, found in 20% of pregnant breast cancer patients aged below 30 years [2]. Gestational breast cancer, also known as pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC), is breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy and the first year post-delivery or during lactation [2,3]. The overall incidence is 0.2%-3.8% and is increasing as more women delay childbirth [3][4][5].…”

“…Gestational breast cancer, also known as pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC), is breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy and the first year post-delivery or during lactation [2,3]. The overall incidence is 0.2%-3.8% and is increasing as more women delay childbirth [3][4][5]. Current management of breast cancer is guided by patient and tumour characteristics, preferences, and stage of the disease.…”

<p>Intersectin 1 (ITSN1) identified by comprehensive bioinformatic analysis and experimental validation as a key candidate biological target in breast cancer</p>

“…4 Correct early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis assessment of BC are very difficult, even though many cancer-related genes and cellular pathways are related to the emergence and evolution of BC. 5 Therefore, it is important to explore the molecular mechanisms of cell proliferation and apoptosis and to formulate valid diagnosis and treatment tactics.…”