Male Breast Cancer (MBC) is an uncommon but serious form of cancer that is frequently neglected in the context of breast cancer. Protheragen provides comprehensive, integrated services for the development of both diagnostics and therapeutics, specifically tailored for Male Breast Cancer.
Overview of Male Breast Cancer (MBC)
Male Breast Cancer (MBC) represents an uncommon malignancy that constitutes a mere 0.5% to 1% of all cases of breast cancer annually. Although its incidence is low, MBC remains a problem of considerable concern due to its unique clinicopathological features in relation to Female Breast Cancer (FBC). The more common subtype is MBC, which is ER-positive and invades ductal carcinoma of no special type (NST) (IDC). The diagnosis is made at a median age of nearly 66 years, and there has been a dramatic increase in incidence over the last several decades. Clinically, MBC usually presents as a painless, solid tumor under the areola, often extending to the nipple. The prognosis for MBC is heterogeneous based on tumor subtype, with the worst survival outcomes seen in men who have HER2-positive and triple-negative disease.
Fig.1 Single-cell transcriptional profiling of breast cancer cases. (Sun H.,
et al., 2023)
Pathogenesis of Male Breast Cancer (MBC)
The development of MBC is due to a combination of genetics, hormones, and environmental elements. Genetic factors like the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations increase the risk of developing MBC. These mutations result in impaired DNA repair and instability of the genome, which causes the formation of tumors. Other critical factors include hormonal dysregulation, like an increased concentration of estrogen relative to androgens because of Klinefelter syndrome, obesity, or external hormones. The risk is also increased by exposure to carcinogenic and radiation materials. Available literature also suggests that smoking and drinking alcohol may contribute to the development of MBC.
Diagnostics Development for Male Breast Cancer (MBC)
Genomic Analysis
MBC diagnostics relies heavily on genomic analysis. Genetic mutations and structural variants that have implications for diagnosis and therapy are discovered using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) along with targeted gene panels. These analyses enhance the understanding of the genetic architecture of MBC and RNASeq, revealing actionable alterations and therapeutic strategies. For instance, finding BRCA2 mutations can suggest the need for PARP inhibitor therapy.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
IHC is an indispensable method for MBC diagnostics, considering it evaluates the expression of important biomarkers like estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). These biomarkers influence therapeutic pathways as endocrine therapy is usually effective in cases of ER-positive tumors. For example, ER expression within MBC can forecast the success of tamoxifen therapeutic.
Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH)
FISH is utilized in the identification of gene amplifications like FGFR1, which aids in the identification of therapeutic targets. The amplification of FGFR1 occurs more frequently in MBC than in FBC and can be treated with certain selective inhibitors. The presence of FGFR1 amplification may assist in determining the applicability of erdafitinib for therapeutics.
Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB)
To identify actionable mutations, TMB is evaluated using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Higher TMB is linked to an increased probability of immunologic response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. For instance, TMB-positive tumors are likely to respond to pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor.
Therapeutics of Male Breast Cancer (MBC)
| Therapeutics |
Drug Name |
Target |
Description |
Stage |
| Endocrine Therapy |
Tamoxifen |
Estrogen Receptor (ER-positive tumors) |
The most widely used anti-estrogen therapy in both female and male breast cancer. Associated with significantly increased overall survival in MBC patients, especially with node-positive disease. A 5-year treatment improves survival. Response may differ in men due to variations in endogenous estradiol levels, estrogen receptor distribution, and drug metabolism. Compliance can be an issue due to side effects like hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, and reduced libido. |
Approved |
| Chemotherapy |
Anthracycline-based, Anthracycline-taxane-based, Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, and 5-Fluorouracil (CMF) |
Various cellular processes (e.g., DNA synthesis, cell division) |
Adjuvant chemotherapy associated with improved OS in stage II and III disease. A phase 2 clinical trial of CMF in men with node-positive breast cancer reported significantly better OS compared to historic rates. Patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy tend to have larger tumors, lymph node involvement, hormone receptor-negative disease, and younger age at diagnosis. |
Approved |
| Potential Therapeutic Target |
NA |
FGFR1 amplification,
Homologous Recombination Deficiency (HRD),
High Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) |
Identified as a potential therapeutic target based on whole-genome sequencing analysis. |
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 offers comprehensive preclinical therapeutics development services for MBC. Our services encompass genomic sequencing, IHC, FISH, and other cutting-edge diagnostic techniques to elucidate the molecular landscape of MBC. Based on these insights, we develop targeted therapeutic strategies, including endocrine therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.
Diagnostics Development
- Karyotype Analysis Service
- Omics Analysis Service
- Biomarker Development Service
- Artificial Intelligence Service
- Customized Diagnostics Development
Therapeutic Development
- Anticancer Peptide
- Gene Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Monoclonal Antibody
- Phytotherapy
- Small Molecule Drug
- Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine
Disease Models
- Cell Line Models
- Organoid Models
- Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Models
- Zebrafish Models
- 4T1 Male Breast Cancer Models
Protheragen's preclinical research services for MBC are designed to accelerate the development of effective diagnostics and therapeutics. Our services include biomarker identification, drug screening, and in vitro and in vivo testing. We use state-of-the-art technologies to identify actionable mutations and potential therapeutic targets. Our preclinical research services are backed by a team of experienced scientists and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring high-quality results and timely delivery. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Sun, Handong, et al. "Single-cell transcriptome analysis indicates fatty acid metabolism-mediated metastasis and immunosuppression in male breast cancer." Nature Communications 14.1 (2023): 5590.
- Lin, A. P., T-W. Huang, and K-W. Tam. "Treatment of male breast cancer: meta-analysis of real-world evidence." British Journal of Surgery 108.9 (2021): 1034-1042.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
