Papillary carcinoma of the breast (PCB)is an uncommon type of malignancy representing approximately 0.5 to 1 percent of total breast cancer cases. Protheragen offers comprehensive preclinical research services focused on papillary carcinoma of the breast (PCB), facilitating the development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.
Overview of Papillary Carcinoma of the Breast (PCB)
Papillary carcinoma of the breast (PCB) is a distinct subtype of breast cancer which is both rare and histologically diverse, comprising roughly 0.5-1% of total breast cancer cases. This form of cancer is characterized by papillary structures that consist of fibrovascular scaffolds encapsulated by malignant epithelial cells or papillae. PCB can be subdivided into a number of subtypes which include papillary ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), encapsulated papillary carcinoma (EPC), solid papillary carcinoma (SPC), and invasive papillary carcinoma (IPC). These subtypes differ in their aggressiveness and clinical behavior, with IPC being the most aggressive variant. Histologically, PCB is distinguished by the presence of arborescent fibrovascular cores, a layer of intervening myoepithelial cells, and variable nuclear grades.
Fig.1 Broad papillary structure with a central fibrovascular core (HE stain, ×200 original magnification). (Wang S.,
et al., 2024)
Pathogenesis of Papillary Carcinoma of the Breast (PCB)
The pathogenesis of breast papillary carcinoma modulates with the shift from benign to malignant conditions and encompasses a myriad of cell-level changes driving normal breast epithelial cells toward dysregulated growth. Important genomic changes involve heterozygosity loss at 16q together with gain at 16p, indicative of the luminal subtype of breast cancer. Also, other cancer-associated alterations such as mutation in PIK3CA and AKT signaling pathway, are deemed common and exacerbate the development and advancement of PCB. Profiled at the molecular level, PCB is found to almost always be estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptive, expressing HER2 poorly. The latter features modify the PCB's biological behavior and treatment response. In diagnosis, the usual listed features of PCB are papillary lesions bearing fibrovascular cores. These particular structures are flexible and subject to secondary alterations such as necrosis and fibrosis, with possible impact on diagnosis.
Diagnostics Development for Papillary Carcinoma of the Breast (PCB)
Histopathological Diagnostics
The absolute diagnostic approach remains the histopathological examination for PCB. There is a need of careful tissue examination to identify distinct features of the exemplary tissue sample such as papillary myoepithelium and ‘metaplastic' epithelium. Observation of critical biomarkers such as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 through Immunohistochemistry (IHC) indicates subtype classification along with plausible management approaches of the condition. Also, specific therapeutic regimens can be developed through molecular makeup analysis with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) that looks for particular mutations of interest.
Molecular Diagnostics
There is a progressive application of molecular profiling in PCB to determine the gene abnormalities and molecular subclasses using genetic testing. These methods allow for comprehensive evaluation of the papillary carcinomas' genetic architecture, as well as identification of relevant oncological therapeutic methods and useful strategic decisions for treating the illness. An instance includes PIK3CA mutations which may denote enhanced prognosis alongside improved response to endocrine therapy.
Therapeutics of Papillary Carcinoma of the Breast (PCB)
| Therapeutics |
Drug Name |
Target |
Description |
Stage |
| Endocrine Therapy |
Tamoxifen |
Hormone Receptors (ER/PR) |
Endocrine therapy is crucial for ER-positive and PR-positive tumors. It includes the use of aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen, depending on the patient's menopausal status. |
Approved |
| Chemotherapy |
Doxorubicin
Carboplatin |
Proliferating Cells |
Chemotherapy is considered in cases with a higher risk of recurrence, such as larger tumors or those with lymph node involvement. It is less frequently used in PCB compared to more aggressive breast cancer types. |
Approved |
| CDK4/6 Inhibitors |
Palbociclib |
CDK4/6 Pathway |
CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as palbociclib, are being explored in combination with endocrine therapy for HR+/HER2- breast cancers, including PCB. They have shown promise in improving outcomes in advanced cases. |
Phase III |
| Targeted Therapies |
Unpublished |
Specific Molecular Targets |
Targeted therapies are being developed to address specific molecular alterations in PCB. For example, therapies targeting PIK3CA/AKT/mTOR pathway mutations are under investigation. |
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 provides full-spectrum services for diagnostics and therapeutics development of papillary breast carcinoma. These services consist of sophisticated imaging modalities, skilled histopathological examination, molecular profiling, and preclinical research services.
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
- MCF-7 Derived PCB Cell Sublines
- MMTV-PyMT Transgenic Mouse Models
- Subcutaneous Xenograft Models
- Orthotopic Xenograft Models
- PIK3CA Gene Mutation Models
Protheragen's diagnostics and therapeutics development services for PCB provide comprehensive support for the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel therapies. Our multidisciplinary expertise, cutting-edge technologies, customized solutions, and commitment to innovation and collaboration make us a trusted partner in the fight against PCB. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to
contact us.
References
- Wang, Shijing, Qingfu Zhang, and Xiaoyun Mao. "Invasive papillary carcinoma of the breast." Frontiers in Oncology 14 (2024): 1374091.
- Rehman, Bushra, et al. "Papillary carcinoma of breast: Clinicopathological characteristics, management, and survival." International journal of breast cancer 2022.1 (2022): 5427837.
- Rakha, Emad A., Mohamed A. Ahmed, and Ian O. Ellis. "Papillary carcinoma of the breast: diagnostic agreement and management implications." Histopathology 69.5 (2016): 862-870.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
