Background:Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is a rare type of breast cancer that has basal-like characteristics and is perceived to have poorer prognosis when compared with conventional no specific type/ductal carcinomas (ductal/NST). However, current data on MBC are largely derived from small case series or population-based reports. This study aimed to assess the clinicopathological features and outcome of MBC identified through an international multicentre collaboration.Methods:A large international multicentre series of MBC (no=405) with histological confirmation and follow-up information has been included in this study. The prognostic value of different variables and outcome has been assessed and compared with grade, nodal status and ER/HER2 receptor-matched ductal/NST breast carcinoma.Results:The outcome of MBC diagnosed in Asian countries was more favourable than those in Western countries. The outcome of MBC is not different from matched ductal/NST carcinoma but the performance of the established prognostic variables in MBC is different. Lymph node stage, lymphovascular invasion and histologic subtype are associated with outcome but tumour size and grade are not. Chemotherapy was associated with longer survival, although this effect was limited to early-stage disease. In this study no association between radiotherapy and outcome was identified. Multivariate analysis of MBC shows that histologic subtype is an independent prognostic feature.Conclusions:This study suggests that MBC is a heterogeneous disease. Although the outcome of MBC is not different to matched conventional ductal/NST breast carcinoma, its behaviour is dependent on the particular subtype with spindle cell carcinoma in particular has an aggressive biological behaviour. Management of patients with MBC should be based on validated prognostic variables.

No abstract

In the PathIES population, exemestane appeared to be superior to tamoxifen among patients with low ERβ1 expression but not in those with high ERβ1 expression. This is the first trial of its kind to report a parameter potentially predicting benefit of an aromatase inhibitor when compared with tamoxifen and an independent validation is warranted.

No abstract

HighlightsLarge multicentre prospective study involving breast cancer units across the UK.Valuable data collection regarding utilisation of NST in breast cancer treatment.Data on real-world short-term surgical and pathological outcomes.Potentially strengthen the multidisciplinary collaborative network in breast cancer.

No abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Egyptian females. Most patients present at a late stage with subsequent poor outcomes. Aim: To study the awareness of breast cancer, its risk factors and screening. To investigate the impact of caring for a family member with breast cancer on the awareness and future attitudes of caregivers. Methods: The study included 704 females divided into two groups. A non-caregivers group including 248 participants representing the general population and a caregivers group including 456 family caregivers of breast cancer patients. We used a questionnaire comprised of 45 questions assessing four domains: individual risk factors, awareness of risk factors, awareness of screening, and the practice of and barriers to screening. Those who answered more than 50% of the questions correctly were considered to have good knowledge. Results: Sixty-nine percent of participants showed poor knowledge of risk factors. In the screening awareness domain, only 44% of participants scored >50% indicating defective knowledge. Caregivers attained significantly higher scores in all domains (p<0.001). Yet, the overall assessment showed poor knowledge in both groups. Only 3% of non-caregivers and 19% of caregivers performed mammography (p<0.001); while 11% and 38%, respectively, underwent breast self-examination (p<0.001). Higher education level was associated with significantly better knowledge (p<0.001). Conclusions: Breast cancer knowledge among Egyptian females is deficient. The level of education and caring for a breast cancer patient significantly affect the level of knowledge and attitude towards screening. There is a need to implement a comprehensive national awareness and screening programme.

Aims: To describe a new international dataset for pathology reporting of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), variants of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and low-grade lesions (encapsulated papillary carcinoma, solid papillary carcinoma in situ, Paget's disease) produced by the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR). Methods and results:The ICCR, a global alliance of pathology bodies, uses a rigorous and efficient process for the development of evidence-based, structured datasets for pathology reporting of common cancers. Their aim is to support quality pathology reporting and engender understanding between the breast surgeon, pathologist, and oncologist for optimal and uniform patient management globally. Here we describe the dataset for DCIS, some variants of LCIS (namely the pleomorphic and the florid variants), and lowgrade lesions by a multidisciplinary panel of