Solid-basaloid variant of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast with near complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Breast adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is a rare subtype of triple negative breast cancer. Two morphologic variants are described, namely classic AdCC (C-AdCC) and solid basaloid (SB-AdCC). Recent studies have shown that the SB-AdCC variant has significantly worse prognosis than C-AdCC. Due to the rarity of SB-AdCC, no standard recommendations are available for its management. Data on the use and benefit of chemotherapy in patients with SB-AdCC are sparse and the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy has not been reported. We present the clinical and pathologic findings of a patient with SB-AdCC treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy who achieved a remarkable pathologic response.

Automated summary

Breast adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare subtype of triple negative breast cancer with two morphologic variants. Recent studies have shown that one variant has a worse prognosis and there are currently no standard recommendations for its management. Data on chemotherapy and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy are limited.