Contemporary Systemic Therapy for Male Breast Cancer

The role of radiation therapy in the multidisciplinary management of male breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis on behalf of the Clinical Oncology Breast Cancer Group (COBCG)

Male breast cancer (MaBC) is an uncommon disease. It is generally assimilated to post-menopausal female breast cancer and treated accordingly. However, the real impact of radiation therapy, after both mastectomy and breast conservation, has yet to be established. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the clinical impact of radiation therapy in MBC patients to support the clinical decision-making process and to inform future research. We performed a systematic search of 'male', 'breast', 'cancer', 'radiotherapy' and corresponding synonyms on PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. We included interventional studies reporting on radiation therapy effect on overall survival (OS) in MBC patients. Reviews, editorials, letters to the editor, conference abstracts and case reports, and studies with less than 20 MaBC patients or without data on OS were excluded. We extracted relevant characteristics and outcomes for each study, including the hazard ratio (HR) for OS, after adjustment for potential confounders. We calculated an overall adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for OS for patients receiving radiation therapy compared to those who did not. A random effect model was used. The search strategy yielded 10,260 articles. After removal of duplicates (n = 8254), 2006 articles remained and underwent abstract screening. A total of 168 manuscripts was selected for full text screening. After full text screening, 22 articles were included in the qualitative systematic review. Among them, 14 were included in the quantitative synthesis, reporting on 80.219 MaBC patients. A statistically significant reduction in the risk of death was observed for patients receiving radiation therapy, with a pooled aHR = 0.73 (95 %CI: 0.66-0.81) for OS. Significant heterogeneity among reported aHR estimates was seen (I2=77 %). A significant clinical benefit on OS has been observed when including radiation therapy in the therapeutic algorithm of patients with MaBC. These findings, which are based on retrospective studies and tumour registry reports, deserve further investigation to identify MaBC patient subgroups who most benefit from radiation therapy.

Case Series Analysis of Male Breast Cancer

Male breast cancer is a rare disease, accounting for less than 1% of all cases of breast cancer. However, the incidence of male breast cancer is increasing. In this study, we systematically analyzed the cases of male breast cancer and evaluated the management of operable male breast cancer in daily clinical practice according to the international clinical guidelines. Data of male breast cancer characteristics and management were recorded from our electronic database. We present a case series of male breast cancer patients treated at our institution between 2013 and 2021 and summarize the recommendations on management of male patients with breast cancer. Twenty-six patients met the search criteria. The majority of tumors were hormone-receptor positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative. Two tumors were derived from axillary accessory breast. All patients underwent mastectomy. Fifteen patients received adjuvant chemotherapy containing anthracycline or taxane. Ten patients received adjuvant radiotherapy for lymph node metastasis. Twenty-five patients received adjuvant endocrine therapy. None of patients received anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 therapy. During the median follow-up period of 37 months, one patient died of previous lung cancer recurrence and one patient developed lung metastases 2 years after breast surgery. No recurrence or distant metastasis occurred in the other twenty-four patients. The incidence of male breast cancer is low. In this study, we present twenty-six cases of male patients with operable breast cancer in our department. All of them received surgery and adjuvant treatment. Early diagnosis and combined therapy benefit male patients with breast cancer. Surgery together with adjuvant treatment can bring a good prognosis.

Analysis of the Clinical Advancements for BRCA-Related Malignancies Highlights the Lack of Treatment Evidence for BRCA-Positive Male Breast Cancer

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease that accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancers and male malignancies. Despite recognised clinico-pathological and molecular differences to female breast cancer (FBC), the clinical management of MBC follows established FBC treatment strategies. Loss of function mutations in the DNA damage response genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of MBC. While there have been extensive clinical advancements in other BRCA-related malignancies, including FBC, improvements in MBC remain stagnant. Here we present a review that highlights the lack of treatment evidence for BRCA-related MBC and the required national and global collaborative effort to address this unmet need. In doing so, we summarise the transformative clinical advancements with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in other BRCA-related cancers namely, FBC and prostate cancer.

A systematic literature review of the management, oncological outcomes and psychosocial implications of male breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Although male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease, accounting for <1% of all breast cancers, it has significant oncological, survival and psychosocial implications for patients. The aim of this study is to assess the latest literature in the diagnosis, management, oncological outcomes, and psychosocial impact of MBC.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines (Moher et al., 2009) [1] to explore the management of MBC, with particular focus on investigative imaging, surgical management, oncological outcomes, survival, genetic screening and psychosocial effects. Electronic databases were searched for randomised control trials, cohort studies and case series involving more than 10 patients. Imaging and surgical techniques, local and distant disease recurrence, survival, genetic screening and psychosocial implications in the setting of MBC were assessed.

RESULTS

The search criteria identified 199 articles, of which 59 met the inclusion criteria. This included 39,529 patients, with a mean age of 64.5 years (55-71), and a mean follow-up of 66.3 months (26.2-115). Mastectomy remains the most frequently used surgical technique, with an average of 89.6%. Loco-regional and distant recurrence rate was 10.1% and 21.4% respectively. Disease-free survival (DFS) at 5 and 10 years was 66.8% and 54.5% respectively. Disease-specific survival (DSS) at 5 and 10 years was 87.1% and 67.1% respectively. Overall survival (OS) at 5 and 10 years was 72.7% and 50.7% respectively. Genetic screening was conducted in 38.6% of patients of which 4.8% and 15.8% were found to be BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers respectively. Psychosocial studies were conducted mainly using questionnaire and interview-based methodology focusing primarily on awareness of breast cancer in men, support available and impact on gender identity.

CONCLUSIONS

This review demonstrates that men present with later stage disease with subsequent impact on survival outcomes. There remains a paucity of high-level evidence and prospective studies are required. There is a need for increasing awareness amongst the public and health care professionals in order to improve outcomes and reduce stigma associated with MBC.

Male Breast Cancer: The Three Decades' Experience of a Tertiary Care Hospital in a Lower-Middle Income Country

Introduction

Male breast cancer is uncommon and managed on the guidelines of female breast cancer due to tumor rarity. We sought to identify the incidence, clinicopathological features, and survival of all male breast cancer patients managed in our hospital.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, Pakistan, from January 1986 to December 2018. Demographic data, treatment records, and follow-up data of all male breast cancer patients who were treated at AKUH was reviewed.

Results

Thirty-eight out of 42 patients who presented over a period of 32 years were included. The mean age was 63 years. The most common tumor type and subtype were invasive ductal carcinoma (89.5%) and luminal A (73.7%), respectively. The majority (36.8%) of the patients presented at stage III. Among 30 (78.9%) patients who underwent surgery, mastectomy was performed in 30 (78.9%), upfront axillary clearance in 24 (63.2%), axillary sampling in five (15.1%) cases, and sentinel lymph node biopsy in one (2.6%) case. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given to 10 (26.3%) patients, and adjuvant chemotherapy to eight (21.1%) patients. Adjuvant hormonal treatment was administered to 22 (57.9%) patients, and 13 (34%) patients received adjuvant radiation to the chest wall. The five-year overall survival was 38.2% and the median survival was 36 months. The five-year disease-free survival (DFS) was found to be 33.7%.

Conclusion

Breast cancer in males presents at an advanced stage with poor survival. Multicenter studies are required to accurately identify incidence, prognostic factors, and outcomes in order to have a better understanding of its management.

Prognostic Factors in Male Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Nationwide Study in South Korea by the Study of SMARTSHIP Group

This study evaluated the incidence, the survival outcomes and its prognostic factors for male breast cancer (MBC) in Korea. Using the National Health Insurance Service database of Korea, we identified MBC patients who had the new claim code of C50. Medical records including type of surgeries and radiotherapy within one year of the first claim and death records were reviewed. Between 2005 and 2016, 838 newly diagnosed MBC patients were included (median follow-up, 1,769 days). The 70–74-year age group had the highest incidence of MBC. The 5-year survival rate was 73.7%. Age > 65 years, low income, no surgical intervention, no tamoxifen use, and > 2 comorbidities correlated with a worse outcome. MBC incidence has increased over time, and its peak is noted at age > 70 years. Age > 65 years, > 2 comorbidities, no surgical intervention, and no tamoxifen use correlate to poor prognosis.

The impact of G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor 1 on male breast cancer: a retrospective analysis

Introduction

The G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1) is a potential prognostic marker in breast cancer. However, its role in male breast cancer (MBC) is still unknown. This study evaluates the expression of GPER-1 in MBC samples and correlates these data with clinical and pathological parameters including patients' survival.

Material and methods

For this retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained cohort of patients with MBC, we examined 161 specimens for GPER-1 expression using immunohistochemistry. An immunoreactive score (IRS) was calculated based on staining intensity and the percentage of positive tumour cells. Then, we correlated GPER-1 IRS with clinical and pathological parameters, and overall and relapse-free survival.

Results

About 40% of MBC samples were positive for GPER-1 expression (IRS ≥ 4). There was no significant correlation with clinicopathological parameters, such as hormone receptor status or grading. However, a statistical trend was observed for tumour size (≥ 2 cm, p = 0.093). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed no significant correlation with relapse-free survival. However, there was a significant correlation with overall survival, but when we adjusted the log-rank p-value to compensate for the cut-off point optimization method, it rose above 0.1. Additionally, GPER-1-positive patients were older at diagnosis. When adjusted for age by multivariable Cox regression analysis, the significance of GPER-1 status for survival was further reduced.

Conclusions

We found no significant prognostic value of GPER-1 in this MBC cohort as anticipated from studies on female BC. Future studies with higher sample size are needed to further verify a potential sex-specific role of GPER-1.

The effect of chemotherapy on survival in patients with nonmetastatic male breast cancer: A population-based observational study

BACKGROUND

Male breast cancer is a rare malignant disease, accounting for <1% of all breast cancers. The treatment of male breast cancer is mainly extrapolated from the enormous literature and clinical experience in women. The objective of the current study was to assess the relationship between adjuvant chemotherapy and survival in a large population-based cohort of patients with early-stage male breast cancer.

METHODS

Men with invasive stage I to stage III breast cancer were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer database from 1990 to 2014. The effect of chemotherapy on survival was determined using multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

Of 2713 male patients enrolled, 1817 (66.9%) did not receive chemotherapy. Age, T classification, N classification, tumor grade, and progesterone receptor (PR) status were found to be strong predictors of chemotherapy administration. Chemotherapy was associated with a significant 26% reduction in all-cause mortality (P < .001) and a marginally significant 21% reduction in breast cancer-specific mortality (P = .085). For men with PR-negative breast cancer, use of chemotherapy was associated with improved breast cancer-specific survival (hazards ratio [HR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.28-0.91 [P = .023]) and overall survival (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.37-0.77 [P = .001]). However, chemotherapy did not improve the breast cancer-specific survival for all men with PR-positive tumors (P = .959); it was associated with improved overall survival (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66-0.92 [P = .004]) for men with PR-positive stage II and stage III breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemotherapy should be considered for men with PR-negative, nonmetastatic breast cancer and PR-positive, stage II and stage III breast cancer.

Efficacy of Endocrine Therapy for the Treatment of Breast Cancer in Men: Results from the MALE Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

The extent of changes in estradiol levels in male patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer receiving standard endocrine therapies is unknown. The sexual function and quality of life related to those changes have not been adequately evaluated.

Objective

To assess the changes in estradiol levels in male patients with breast cancer after 3 months of therapy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter, phase 2 randomized clinical trial assessed 56 male patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Patients were recruited from 24 breast units across Germany between October 2012 and May 2017. The last patient completed 6 months of treatment in December 2017. The analysis data set was locked on August 24, 2018, and analysis was completed on December 19, 2018.

Interventions

Patients were randomized to 1 of 3 arms: tamoxifen alone or tamoxifen plus gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) or aromatase inhibitor (AI) plus GnRHa for 6 months.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was the change in estradiol levels from baseline to 3 months. Secondary end points were changes of estradiol levels after 6 months, changes of additional hormonal parameters, adverse effects, sexual function, and quality of life after 3 and 6 months.

Results

In this phase 2 randomized clinical trial, a total of 52 of 56 male patients with a median (range) age of 61.5 (37-83) years started treatment. A total of 3 patients discontinued study treatment prematurely, 1 in each arm. A total of 50 patients were evaluable for the primary end point. After 3 months the patients' median estradiol levels increased by 67% (a change of +17.0 ng/L) with tamoxifen, decreased by 85% (-23.0 ng/L) with tamoxifen plus GnRHa, and decreased by 72% (-18.5 ng/L) with AI plus GnRHa (P < .001). After 6 months, median estradiol levels increased by 41% (a change of +12 ng/L) with tamoxifen, decreased by 61% (-19.5 ng/L) with tamoxifen plus GnRHa, and decreased by 64% (-17.0 ng/L) with AI plus GnRHa (P < .001). Sexual function and quality of life decreased when GnRHa was added but were unchanged with tamoxifen alone.

Conclusions and Relevance

This phase 2 randomized clinical trial found that AI or tamoxifen plus GnRHa vs tamoxifen alone led to a sustained decrease of estradiol levels. The decreased hormonal parameters were associated with impaired sexual function and quality of life.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01638247.

Management and outcome of male metastatic breast cancer in the national multicenter observational research program Epidemiological Strategy and Medical Economics (ESME)

Background and Aims:

Because of its low prevalence, metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in males is managed based on clinical experience with women. Using a real-life database, we aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of male MBC characteristics, management and outcome.

Methods:

The Epidemiological Strategy and Medical Economics Data Platform collected data for all men and women ⩾18 years with MBC in 18 participating French Comprehensive Cancer Centers from January 2008 to November 2016. Demographic, clinical, and pathological characteristics were retrieved, as was treatment modality. Men were matched 1:1 to women with similar characteristics.

Results:

Of 16,701 evaluable patients, 149 (0.89%) men were identified. These men were older (median age 69 years) and predominantly had hormone receptor HR+/HER2– disease (78.3%). Median overall survival (OS) was 41.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI: 26.9–49.7)] and similar to women. Median progression-free survival (PFS) with first-line therapy was 9.3 months [95% CI (7.4–11.5)]. In the HR+/HER2– subpopulation, endocrine therapy (ET) alone was the frontline treatment for 43% of patients, including antiestrogens (n = 19), aromatase inhibitors (n = 15) with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs (n = 3), and various sequential treatments. Median PFS achieved by frontline ET alone was similar in men [9.8 months, 95% CI (6.9–17.4)] and in women [13 months, 95% CI (8.4–30.9)] (p = 0.80). PFS was similar for HR+/HER2– men receiving upfront ET or chemotherapy: 9.8 months [95% CI (6.9–17.4)] versus 9.5 months [95% CI (7.4–11.7)] (p = 0.22), respectively.

Conclusion:

MBC management in men and women leads to similar outcomes, especially in HR+/HER2– patients for whom ET should also be a cornerstone. Unsolved questions remain and successfully recruiting trials for men are still lacking.

Features, Outcomes, and Management Strategies of Male Breast Cancer: A Single Institution Comparison to Well-Matched Female Controls

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to delineate differences in management, overall and distant disease-free survival in males diagnosed with breast cancer and treated at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center as compared to comprehensively matched female subjects. Secondary objectives included assessment of clinical and histopathologic features and recurrence score, as measured by Oncotype DX and the modified Magee equation #2.

Materials and Methods

This single institution retrospective study compared male and comprehensively matched female patients (1:2) with stage I-III breast cancer between 1994 and 2014. Recurrence risk was estimated using a modified Magee equation. Overall survival and distant disease-free survival were estimated and compared using Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank methods.

Results

Forty-five male breast cancer patients were included (stage I: 26.7%; stage II: 53.3%; stage III: 20.0%; hormone receptor positive: 97.8%; human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative: 84.4%) with a median age of 63.8 (43.0-79.4) years at diagnosis. Intermediate and low recurrence scores were most common in male and female patients respectively; mean score was similar between groups (20.3 vs. 19.8). The proportion of male breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and post-mastectomy radiation was lower compared to female patients (42.2% vs. 65.3%, p=0.013; 22.7% vs. 44.4%, p=0.030, respectively). Overall survival and distant disease-free survival between male and female patients were similar.

Conclusion

Male breast cancer patient outcomes were similar compared to well-matched female patients suggesting that breast cancer specific factors are more prognostic than gender.

Overall Survival of Men and Women With Breast Cancer According to Tumor Subtype: A Population-based Study

OBJECTIVES

To analyze differences in overall survival (OS) between male breast cancer (MBC) and female breast cancer (FBC) according to tumor subtype compared with other factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated men and women with breast cancer between 2010 and 2013 with known hormone receptor (HR) status and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status reported to the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Patient characteristics were compared between groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the effect of each variable on OS. Breast cancer-specific survival was a secondary endpoint.

RESULTS

We included 1187 MBC and 166,054 FBC. Median follow-up was 21 months (range, 1 to 48) for both groups. OS at 3 years for MBC and FBC was 85.6% and 90.4%, respectively (P=0.0002). MBC were more ductal, had higher grade, presented with more advanced stage and were often HR+/HER2- (each P<0.0001). MBC had worse OS than FBC in HR+/HER2- (Hazard ratio [HaR], 1.5; P=0.0005), HR+/HER2+ (HaR, 2.8; P<0.0001) and triple negative (HaR, 4.3; P<0.0001) (Pinteraction<0.02). MBC had significantly worse OS than FBC in stages I and II, but similar OS in stages III and IV (Pinteraction<0.01). In multivariate analysis, HR+/HER2+ was the only subtype with significant differences in OS between MBC and FBC (HaR, 2.0; P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

OS was significantly different in both groups. Men had worse OS in early stages while similar OS in stages III and IV. There were significant differences in OS according to tumor subtype; compared with women, men with HR+/HER2+ tumors had twice the risk of death.

Male breast cancer: Specific biological characteristics and survival in a Portuguese cohort

Male breast cancer (BC) represents an individual subtype of BC, with therapeutic procedures based on female BC therapy results. The present study evaluated the parameters currently used for the characterization and therapy of male BC, and their association with disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS), aiming to obtain a comprehensive basis to improve the personalized care of male BC. A total of 196 patients from March 1970 to March 2018 (mean follow-up, 84.9 months) were profiled, using clinicopathological review, molecular assessment [BRCA1/2, DNA repair associated (BRCA1/2) status, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization and DNA flow cytometry] and Cox regression statistical analysis. The median age of patients was 66.5 years. At presentation, 39.2% of patients with invasive carcinomas were in anatomic stage (AS) I. Patients exhibited primarily invasive carcinomas of no special type, histological grade 2, estrogen receptor α-(ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR)-positive, receptor tyrosine kinase erbB-2-negative, high Ki-67, Luminal B-like and aneuploid tumors. A total of 13 of the 44 (29.5%) BRCA-evaluated patients exhibited BRCA2 mutations, significantly associated with family history (FH), bilaterality, high Ki-67 expression, absence of PR and Luminal B-like tumors. Bilaterality was associated with the occurrence of non-breast primary neoplasms (NBPN). The 5 and 10-year DFS rates, excluding patients with distant metastasis, NBPN and in situ carcinomas (n=145) were 65.9 and 58.2%, respectively, and the 5 and 10-year OS rates were 77.5 and 59.2%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, Luminal B-like subtype, BRCA2 mutations, high Ki-67 expression, and AS II and III were significantly associated with shorter DFS and OS. In addition, age >70 years was associated with low OS. In the multivariate analysis, FH, AS II and III, and Luminal B-like subtypes were associated with poorer OS. In conclusion, the data from the present study emphasize the high incidence of BRCA2 mutation in male BC, and its association with FH, bilaterality, high Ki-67 expression, negative PR expression and Luminal B-like subtypes, and with shorter DFS and OS in univariate analysis.

Special considerations in the evaluation and management of breast cancer in men

Breast cancer in men is relatively uncommon but its incidence has been rising. Traditionally, the management of breast cancer in men is based on extrapolation from clinical trials of breast cancer in women, due to the much more extensive data available in women with this disease. There are, however, unique characteristics that distinguish breast cancer in men and these should be taken into consideration when managing this patient population. Breast cancer in men is more frequently estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) positive, and less frequently HER2 amplified. Lobular carcinoma, which accounts for 10-15% of breast cancers in women, is exceptionally rare in men. Genetic risk factors, particularly BRCA2 mutations, are increasingly recognized as a key risk factor for breast cancer in men and genetic testing is now routinely recommended for all men diagnosed with breast cancer. Tamoxifen remains the gold standard endocrine therapy for breast cancer in men, but other endocrine agents such as the aromatase inhibitors (AI) and fulvestrant are increasingly being used. While superior to tamoxifen in postmenopausal women, the use of AIs for adjuvant therapy in men with breast cancer may not be optimal since the physiology of hormonal regulation in men resembles that of premenopausal rather than postmenopausal women. Emerging areas of investigation include the role of genomic risk stratification to gain further insight into the biology of breast cancer in men, the study of the androgen receptor (AR) as a therapeutic target, and the role of gonadal suppression in the management of the disease. There is clearly a more consorted effort to study breast cancer in men as a unique disease in order to have a better understanding of its biology and we are likely to witness further advances that will help us better manage this unique disease situation.

Male breast cancer - a single center experience

Due to its rarity, male breast cancer remains a poorly characterized disease. The present study obtained retrospective clinicopathological data, treatment patterns and outcomes for all male patients diagnosed with breast cancer in the Oncology Department, Faculty Hospital Trenčín (Trenčín, Slovakia) over the last 20 years from January 1995 to December 2015. A total of 21 patients with male breast cancer were analyzed, with a median patient age of 65.6 years. Two patients were diagnosed with lobular invasive cancer; all others were diagnosed with cancer of a ductal origin. One patient presented with metastatic disease in the pleural cavity. The primary tumors in 8 patients were staged as pT1, whilst 6 patients were staged as pT2 and 7 as pT4. Axillary lymph node involvement was present in 11 patients (52%) and 15 patients were hormone receptor-positive (83%). All but 1 patient underwent mastectomy and surgical staging of the axilla. Adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment was administered in the same manner as breast cancer treatment in female patients. The median follow-up time was 4.5 years. The 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 87 and 74%, respectively, and the estimated median disease-free survival for the same population was 9.5 years (95% confidence interval, 6.2-14.6). The survival rates reported in the present retrospective study are comparable with previously published studies. In addition, the current study reported predominant hormone-positive characteristics and rare expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. However, further multi-institutional trials are required to allow for informed treatment decisions in this uncommon disease.

Secretory breast carcinoma in a 41-year-old man with long-term follow-up: a special report

ABSTRACT 

Secretory breast carcinoma (SBC) is a rare tumor that is particularly rare in male adults. To our knowledge, only 28 previous male cases of secretory breast carcinoma have been reported. We present a case of secretory breast carcinoma that has the longest duration of symptoms (40 years) in a male individual until now. Typically, the clinical features and treatment of male SBC are similar with female SBC. The ETV6–NTRK3 fusion gene is a specific genetic alteration in SBC. When compared to other types of male breast cancer, patients with male secretory breast cancer are much younger, and have a lower rate of estrogen/progesterone hormone receptor positivity. Modified radical mastectomy has been favored as a therapeutic approach in all female SBC, male SBC and other types of male breast cancer.

Clinicopathological and Immunohistochemical Characteristics in Male Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Case Series

BACKGROUND

Due to its rarity, male breast cancer (mBC) remains an inadequately characterized disease, and current evidence for treatment derives from female breast cancer (FBC).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of mBCs treated from 2000 to 2013.

RESULTS

From a total of 97 patients with mBC, 6 (6.2%) with ductal in situ carcinoma were excluded, and 91 patients with invasive carcinoma were analyzed. Median age was 65 years (range: 25-87 years). Estrogen receptors were positive in 88 patients (96.7%), and progesterone receptors were positive in 84 patients (92.3%). HER-2 was overexpressed in 13 of 85 patients (16%). Median follow-up was 51.5 months (range: 0.5-219.3 months). Five-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 50%, whereas overall survival (OS) was 68.1%. Patients with grades 1 and 2 presented 5-year PFS of 71% versus 22.5% for patients with grade 3 disease; 5-year OS was 85.7% for patients with grades 1 and 2 versus 53.3% of patients with grade 3. Ki-67 score >20% and adjuvant chemotherapy were also statistically significant for OS on univariate analyses. Twenty-six of 87 patients (29.8%) experienced recurrent disease and 16 of 91 patients (17.6%) developed a second neoplasia.

CONCLUSION

Male breast cancer shows different biological patterns compared with FBC, with higher positive hormone-receptor status and lower HER-2 overexpression. Grade 3 and Ki-67 >20% were associated with shorter OS.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

There is little evidence that prognostic features established in female breast cancer, such as grading and Ki-67 labeling index, could be applied to male breast cancer as well. This study found that grade 3 was associated with shorter overall survival and a trend for Ki-67 >20%; this could help in choosing the best treatment option in the adjuvant setting. Many questions remain regarding the impact of HER-2 positivity on survival and treatment with adjuvant anti-HER-2 therapy. Regarding metastatic male breast cancer, the results suggest that common regimens of chemo-, endocrine and immunotherapy used in female breast cancer are safe and effective for men. Male breast cancer patients show a higher incidence of second primary tumors, especially prostate and colon cancers and should therefore be carefully monitored.

Aromatase inhibitors in male breast cancer: a pooled analysis

Although several studies have shown the efficacy of third-generation aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in women with breast cancer, the role of such molecules remains elusive in male breast cancer patients. It is also unknown whether the addition of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues to AIs would be a superior strategy or not. This pooled analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. All studies that examined the efficacy of AIs in metastatic male breast cancer were considered eligible. Overall, 15 studies (105 cases) were eligible for this pooled analysis. The mean age of the study sample was 62.8 years. ER status was positive in all eligible cases. AI was given as first line in 61.5 % of cases. GnRH analogue was co-administered with AI in 37.1 % of cases (n = 39). CR, PR, SD and PD were achieved in 5.7, 23.8, 37.2 and 33.3 % of cases, respectively. The median PFS and OS were equal to 10.0 and 39.0 months, respectively. Co-administration of GnRH analogues was associated with more than threefold increase in rates of clinical benefit (OR = 3.37, 95 % CI 1.30-8.73) but did not seem to correlate with better PFS or OS. No statistically significant associations between the examined outcomes and the other parameters were noted. Available data suggest that AIs may potentially play a promising role in the optimal therapeutic strategy for metastatic male breast cancer patients. Especially, co-administration of AI with a GnRH analogue seems to increase the rate of clinical benefit and could be more effective, warranting further consideration.

Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer in Men

Breast cancer in men is rare, but its incidence is increasing, in keeping with the aging population. The majority of breast cancers in men are estrogen receptor positive. There is a paucity of clinical trials to inform practice, and much has been extrapolated from breast cancer in women. Hormone therapy represents the mainstay of adjuvant and palliative therapy but may have contraindications or poor tolerability. We review the evidence for choice of hormone therapy in both the adjuvant and palliative setting in breast cancer in men.

Estrogen receptor-α is a key mediator and therapeutic target for bladder complications of benign prostatic hyperplasia

PURPOSE

Estrogens are important in prostate growth and have a role in benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, to our knowledge no current therapy directly targets estrogen action. Estrogens act primarily via estrogen receptors α and β. In a mouse model we evaluated the relative contribution of these receptors to bladder complications of benign prostatic hyperplasia. We also evaluated the prevention of these bladder complications using the selective estrogen receptor modulators raloxifene and tamoxifen (estrogen receptor-α selective antagonists), and R,R-THC (estrogen receptor-β selective antagonist).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult male C57bl/6 mice received implants of 25 mg testosterone and 2.5 mg 17β-estradiol slow release pellets. Untreated controls underwent sham surgery. We evaluated the contributions of the estrogen receptor subtypes in ERαKO and ERβKO mice compared to their respective wild-type litter mates. Wild-type mice treated with testosterone plus 17β-estradiol were compared to mice treated with testosterone plus 17β-estradiol and 25 mg selective estrogen receptor modulators to evaluate the prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia complications by selective estrogen receptor modulators.

RESULTS

Large bladders with urinary retention developed in ERαWT and ERβWT litter mates treated with testosterone plus 17β-estradiol but such bladders did not develop in ERαKO mice treated with testosterone plus 17β-estradiol. ERβKO mice treated with testosterone plus 17β-estradiol had large bladders with urinary retention and increased bladder mass. Cotreatment with the estrogen receptor-α antagonist raloxifene resulted in decreased bladder mass compared to that in wild-type mice treated with testosterone plus 17β-estradiol. Bladders in mice treated with the estrogen receptor-β antagonist R,R-THC were similar to those in testosterone plus 17β-estradiol treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Estrogen receptor-α but not β is a key mediator of bladder complications of benign prostatic hyperplasia and a potential target for future therapies.

Association of SULT1A1 Arg²¹³His polymorphism with male breast cancer risk: results from a multicenter study in Italy

Male breast cancer (MBC) is rare and poorly understood. Like female breast cancer (FBC), MBCs are highly sensitive to hormonal changes, and hyperestrogenism, specifically, represents a major risk factor for MBC. MBC is considered similar to late-onset, post-menopausal estrogen/progesteron receptors positive FBC (ER+/PR+). Sulfotransferase 1A1 (SULT1A1) is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of estrogens. Recently, SULT1A1 common functional polymorphism Arg(213)His (638G>A) variant has been found to be associated with increased breast cancer (BC) risk, particularly in post-menopausal women. For this reason, we decided to explore whether SULT1A1 Arg(213)His could exert an effect on MBC development. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the SULT1A1 Arg(213)His polymorphism on MBC risk. The secondary aim was to investigate possible associations with relevant clinical-pathologic features of MBC. A total of 394 MBC cases and 786 healthy male controls were genotyped for SULT1A1 Arg(213)His polymorphism by PCR-RFLP and high-resolution melting analysis. All MBC cases were characterized for relevant clinical-pathologic features. A significant difference in the distribution of SULT1A1 Arg(213)His genotypes was found between MBC cases and controls (P < 0.0001). The analysis of genotype-specific risk showed a significant increased MBC risk in individuals with G/A (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.50-2.59; P < 0.0001) and A/A (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.83-5.23; P < 0.0001) genotypes in comparison to wild-type genotype, under co-dominant model. A significant association between SULT1A1 risk genotypes and HER2 status emerged. Results indicate that SULT1A1 Arg(213)His may act as a low-penetrance risk allele for developing MBC and could be associated with a specific tumor subtype associated with HER2 overexpression.

Understanding the pathological manifestations of aromatase excess syndrome: lessons for clinical diagnosis

CYP19A1

Aromatase excess syndrome is characterized by pre- or peripubertal onset of gynecomastia due to estrogen excess because of a gain-of-function mutation in the aromatase gene (CYP19A1). Subchromosomal recombination events including duplication, deletion, and inversion has been identified. The latter two recombinations recruit novel promoters for CYP19A1 through a unique mechanism. Gynecomastia continues for life, and although the general condition is well preserved, it may cause psychological issues. Minor symptoms (variably advanced bone age and short adult height), if present, are exclusively because of estrogen excess. Serum estradiol levels are elevated in 48% of affected males, but are not necessarily useful for diagnosis. Molecular analysis of CYP19A1 mutations is mandatory to confirm aromatase excess syndrome diagnosis. Furthermore, the use of an aromatase inhibitor can ameliorate gynecomastia.