Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast (ACCB) is a rare form of breast cancer, but the existing literature on it prominently showcases its distinct nature as a subtype of breast cancer. Protheragen offers comprehensive diagnostics and therapeutics development services tailored specifically for ACCB. Our services encompass a wide range of preclinical research activities, from target identification and validation to drug discovery and development.
Overview of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast (ACCB)
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast (ACCB) is a rare form of malignancy, which is less than 0.1 % of all breast cancers. This peculiar subtype has a heterogeneous cell population of luminal and myoepithelial-basal cells, which are usually ER, PR, and HER2 negative. Although ACCB is regarded as triple-negative, it is generally associated with an indolent course and low probability of lymphatic and distant metastases. The features are frequently vague, the most notable being a palpable mass within the breast. ACCB tumors exhibit bilayered architecture with tubular, cribriform, or solid growth patterns. The diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties posed by the uncommon nature of ACCB make additional advanced preclinical investigation and development services crucial in the furthering of these therapeutic methodologies.
Fig.1 Histopathology of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast (ACCB). (Neilson T.,
et al., 2025)
Pathogenesis of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast (ACCB)
The precise molecular and genetic changes associated with the development of anaplastic carcinoma of the cell of breast (ACCB) are still elusive, although the alterations have been traced. The most prominent is the MYB-NFIB fusion gene, which is created by a recurrent translocation t (6;9) (q22-23; p23-24). This particular gene fusion is almost exclusive to ACCB and is regarded as one of the principal oncogenic changes in the tumor. Moreover, ACCB tumors are noted to be less aggressive as indicated by the low expression of Ki-67 index and a lesser tendency of tumor cells to divide as compared to more aggressive breast cancers. The tumors are mostly ER-, PR-, and HER2 -negative, which conforms to the triple-negative breast cancer character. These features of the cancer at the molecular level are crucial for better precision medicine.
Diagnostics Development for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast (ACCB)
- Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)
FNAC presents as a convenient diagnostic procedure before surgery for ACCB. The presence of sieve-shaped epithelial cells and mucoid globules in the cytological specimens is suggestive of ACCB. Still, a conclusive diagnosis is made following histopathological assessment, which uncovers distinctive tubular, cribriform, and solid growth patterns. The aforementioned diagnosis may additionally be substantiated through immunohistochemical examination of CK7, CK8/18, epithelial membrane antigen, CD117, and MYB protein.
- Molecular and Genetic Testing
For properly diagnosing and understanding the pathogenesis of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast (ACCB), molecular and genetic evaluations, including testing for the MYB-NFIB fusion gene, are particularly important. Other techniques like Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH) and Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) both possess the capability of identifying the fusion gene with a great deal of accuracy. Such information is very useful in developing specific therapeutics.
Therapeutics of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast (ACCB)
| Therapeutics |
Drug Name |
Target |
Description |
Stage |
| Surgery |
N/A |
Tumor |
Surgical resection is the mainstay of therapeutic for ACCB. Options include mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery (BCS), and wide local excision (WLE). |
Approved |
| Radiation Therapy |
N/A |
Tumor bed |
Adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) is recommended after breast-conserving surgery to improve locoregional control and overall survival. |
Approved |
| Chemotherapy |
Various (e.g., doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, docetaxel) |
Rapidly dividing cells |
Systemic chemotherapy is used in cases with high-risk features such as lymph node metastasis, large tumor size (>3 cm), or high-grade lesions. |
Approved |
| Hormone Therapy |
Tamoxifen, Aromatase Inhibitors |
Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR) |
Hormone therapy is considered for the small subset of ACCB cases that are hormone receptor-positive. |
Approved |
| Targeted Therapy |
MYB inhibitors (under development) |
MYB protein |
Targeted therapies aimed at inhibiting the MYB protein, which is overexpressed in ACCB, are under investigation. |
Preclinical |
| Immunotherapy |
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors) |
Immune checkpoints |
Immunotherapy is being explored to harness the immune system to target ACCB cells. |
Preclinical |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.
Our Services
Protheragen's diagnostics and therapeutics development services for ACCB are characterized by their scientific rigor, innovation, and client-centric approach. We utilize state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies to ensure the highest quality of research outcomes. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, providing flexible and scalable solutions to accelerate drug development timelines.
Diagnostics Development
- Karyotype Analysis Service
- Omics Analysis Service
- Biomarker Development Service
- Artificial Intelligence Service
- Customized Diagnostics Development Service
Therapeutic Development
- Anticancer Peptide
- Gene Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Monoclonal Antibody
- Phytotherapy
- Small Molecule Drug
- Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine
Disease Models
- 4T1 (Murine) Cell Lines
- EMT6 (Murine) Cell Lines
- Spontaneous Models
- Transplanted Models
- Genetically Engineered Mouse Models (GEMMs)
Protheragen stands out in the field of ACCB diagnostics and therapeutics development due to our deep expertise in rare cancer research, extensive network of collaborators, and commitment to excellence. Our team of scientists brings a wealth of experience in oncology research, enabling us to tackle the challenges associated with ACCB drug development. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Neilson, Taylor, et al. "Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast: A Narrative Review and Update on Management." Cancers 17.7 (2025): 1079.
- Zhang, Wenxiang, et al. "Management of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast: a single-institution study." Frontiers in oncology 11 (2021): 621012.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
