Important Biological Differences Between Male & Female Breast Cancer

Male breast cancer (Male BC) has important biological differences that distinguish it from female breast cancer, but to date these have been little studied and Male BC patients have been excluded from many clinical trials in breast cancer. Male patients are also usually diagnosed later when their cancers are more advanced, leading to a worse outcome. New research has now uncovered some of the differences between the two types of breast cancer, and the researchers hope that this will help doctors to make better treatment choices for Male BC patients. Speaking at the 10th European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC-10) today (Thursday, March 10, 2016), Dr Carolien van Deurzen, MD, a pathologist specializing in breast cancer at the Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, reported results from a study of the relationship between the pathology of different types of Male BC and their prognosis. (Abstract no. 7, "Pathologic prognostic factors of male breast cancer: results of the EORTC 10085/TBCRC/BIG/NABG International Male Breast Cancer Program", Thursday 11.00 hrs). The study forms part of the International Male Breast Cancer Program, led by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) in Europe and the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium (TBCRC) in the USA. The team of researchers examined 1203 tumor samples from Male BC patients who made up part of the largest series of this disease ever collected linked to outcome data -- 1483 patients from 23 centres in nine countries.