Molecular subtypes in patients with inflammatory breast cancer; a single center experience

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and prognosis of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) according to molecular subtypes.

Methods: Demographic data were examined for 78 patients diagnosed with IBC among breast cancer patients monitored in our clinic. Patients were staged according to the 2010 AJCC guidelines. Physical examination and radiographic findings classified on the basis of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) guidelines were employed in the evaluation of clinical response to systemic therapy. Subtype analysis was performed in patients with IBC and subtypes were compared. Patients were divided on the basis of metastatic or non metastatic status and survival analysis was performed on the basis of molecular subtypes.

Results: Distribution analysis of molecular subtypes revealed a lower incidence of luminal A and a higher incidence of both HER 2 (+) and triple negative breast cancer in IBC. Molecular subtypes had no effect on survival in the non metastatic (p=0.61) and metastatic patient group (p=0.08).

Conclusion: This study showed that IBC frequency is higher in HER2 overexpressing and triple negative subtypes. No survival differences were noticed in relation to molecular subtypes in IBC patients.