Advancements in Male Breast Cancer See Some Improvement

Male breast cancer, a rarity comprising less than 1 percent of all breast cancer cases, continues to face stagnant survival rates despite advancements in treating its female counterpart, as highlighted recently by the National Cancer Institute.

In a groundbreaking study, Weill Cornell Medicine investigators conducted the first-ever whole genome sequencing analysis of male breast cancer, examining tumor samples from 10 patients.

This effort marks a crucial step in understanding the unique genomic alterations characterizing this less-explored form of breast cancer.

The study, published in Modern Pathology in February, uncovered significant gene mutations and molecular profiles with potential implications for diagnosis and treatment. Notably, mutations driving cancer growth were identified, along with structural variants impacting other cancer-associated genes.

Among these findings, variations in the BRCA2 gene, observed in two patients, and amplification of the FGFR1 gene in a subset of tumors stand out.

But there is some good news. Therapeutic options targeting the identified genetic abnormalities offer hope for improved treatment outcomes for eight of the ten men studied. These include immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and kinase inhibitors.

However, further validation through larger studies is necessary to solidify these findings and pave the way for tailored treatments for male breast cancer patients.