Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastases To The Rectum And Subcutaneous Tissue

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 10-15% of all breast cancers, it occurs predominantly in young women, shows high sensitivity to chemotherapy (CT), and is associated with a high rate of recurrence and poor prognosis. TNBC usually induces metastases to the lung, the central nervous system and the liver. Breast cancer metastases to gastrointestinal tract and skin are infrequent, and are reported in 8-35% and 23%, respectively; the molecular triple-negative subtype appears to be associated more frequently with this distribution pattern. We present the case of a 71-year old woman with metastatic TNBC at diagnosis, spread to multiple anatomic sites including the rectosigmoid and the skin, detected by positron emission tomography (PET/CT) and colonoscopy, and conirmed by histopathological analysis. Chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin was indicated, both given on day 1 and 8 for 7 cycles, with partial response being observed in > 80%.