Mucinous Breast Carcinoma (MBC) is an uncommon type of breast cancer that accounts for 1-6% of all invasive breast cancers. At Protheragen, we specialize in MBC diagnostics and therapeutics development, including full-service imaging and molecular diagnostics, targeted therapy design, and cutting-edge immunotherapy development.
Overview of Mucinous Breast Carcinoma (MBC)
Mucinous Breast Carcinoma (MBC) is an uncommon and distinct subtype of breast cancer that involves high amounts of extracellular mucin, a gel-like secretion of glycoproteins. It comprises roughly 1% to 6% of all breast cancers and is more commonly found in women during the perimenopausal and postmenopausal age. MBC is further divided into two types: Pure Mucinous Carcinoma (PMC) and Mixed Mucinous Carcinoma (MMC). PMC is made up of more than 90% mucin, and MMC has 50% to 90% mucin and other components like ductal or lobular carcinoma. Compared with other subtypes, including invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), MBC has a relatively better prognosis and an increased 10-year survival rate of around 90.4%.
Fig.1 Histopathological analysis of mucinous breast cancer. (Hashmi A. A.,
et al., 2021)
Pathogenesis of Mucinous Breast Carcinoma (MBC)
MBC pathology stands apart from other subtypes of breast cancer due to its distinctive molecular and genetic changes. Genomic analyses show that MBC has lower genetic instability than IDC, exhibiting fewer copy number changes. Key molecular features include:
Transcriptional activation of genes such as MUC2, TFF1, and CARTPT which is responsible for the production and secretion of mucins.
Neurotransmitter Pathway Activation
Enrichment of pathways associated with neurotransmitters, in particular GABA synthesis and breakdown, indicates a possible involvement in the tumor microenvironment alteration.
Specific Genomic Alterations
The potential impacts on lipid metabolism and tumor progression may stem from amplifications at 6p25.2, 6q12, and 11q12.3, which contain FADS1, FADS2 and FTH1.
The decreased occurrence of TP53 and PIK3CA mutations in comparison to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), is suggestive of the lesions indolent clinical course.
Diagnostics Development for Mucinous Breast Carcinoma (MBC)
Histopathological Analysis
Histological examination aids in the prompt diagnosis of mucinous breast carcinoma (MBC). Finding expansive areas of extracellular mucin and certain morphological changes like papillary or micropapillary are highly indicative. Further, immunohistochemical staining for ER, PR, HER2, and various other factors contributes to the precise definition of the tumor which in turn assists in formulating the therapeutic strategy. For instance, the high positivity of ER and PR in mucinous breast carcinoma advocates for endocrine therapy.
Imaging Diagnostics
MBC diagnostics apply advanced imaging processes. Using mammography, MBC appears as hypodense, round/oval lesions with well-defined borders as well as calcifications or focal asymmetries. Ultrasound represents MBC as round or oval isoechoic or hypoechoic masses with posterior acoustic shadowing. MRI is quite helpful wherein it shows high signals in T2 images and gradual enhancement. Distinguishing features such as internal septations, and higher values of ADC also assist in the distinction of MBC from benign lesions.
Therapeutics of Mucinous Breast Carcinoma (MBC)
| Therapeutics |
Drug Name |
Target |
Description |
Stage |
| Chemotherapy |
Doxorubicin
Docetaxel
|
Cancer Cells |
Used to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery or to shrink the tumor before surgery. Commonly used agents include anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin) and taxanes (e.g., docetaxel). Chemotherapy is often recommended for HER2-positive or hormone receptor-negative MBC. |
Approved |
| Hormone Therapy |
Tamoxifen
Letrozole
Anastrozole
|
Estrogen Receptors |
Applicable for hormone receptor-positive MBC. Common drugs include tamoxifen (a selective estrogen receptor modulator) and aromatase inhibitors (e.g., letrozole, anastrozole). These medications block the effects of estrogen on cancer cells, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence. |
Approved |
| Targeted Therapy |
Trastuzumab
Pertuzumab
|
HER2 Protein |
Used for HER2-positive MBC. Trastuzumab and pertuzumab are monoclonal antibodies that target the HER2 protein, inhibiting cancer cell growth. These therapies are often combined with chemotherapy for better outcomes. |
Approved |
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 provides comprehensive diagnostics as well as therapeutics development services specifically aimed at Mucinous Breast Carcinoma (MBC). Our expertise includes developing therapies as well as performing advanced imaging, histopathological evaluation, and tailored therapy construction. We offer a comprehensive solution to the triad of challenges of MBC through our integrated arms in diagnostics and therapeutics.
Diagnostics Development
- Karyotype Analysis Service
- Omics Analysis Service
- Biomarker Development Service
- Artificial Intelligence Service
Therapeutic Development
- Anticancer Peptide
- Gene Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Monoclonal Antibody
- Phytotherapy
- Small Molecule Drug
- Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine
Disease Models
- Patient-Derived Organoids
- MCF-7 Xenograft Models
- MUC2 Overexpression Models
- TFF1 Overexpression Models
- CARTPT Overexpression Models
Protheragen understands that each MBC case is unique, and therefore offers customized services tailored to the specific needs of our clients. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to
contact us.
References
- Hashmi, Atif A., et al. "Mucinous breast carcinoma: clinicopathological comparison with invasive ductal carcinoma." Cureus 13.3 (2021).
- Lu, Kebin, et al. "Clinicopathological and genomic features of breast mucinous carcinoma." The Breast 53 (2020): 130-137.
- Marrazzo, Emilia, et al. "Mucinous breast cancer: a narrative review of the literature and a retrospective tertiary single-centre analysis." The Breast 49 (2020): 87-92.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
