European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women around the world,
accounting for 25.1 % of all cancers among women. Breast cancer are classified in different
molecular subtypes depending on hormone receptor positive or negative and human epidermal
growth factor receptor 2 status. All the three receptors labelled as ‘triple positive’ breast
cancer are rare entity. We herein describe a case series of three patients diagnosed as invasive
ductal carcinoma with Immunohistochemistry (IHC) positive for all three receptors (Hormone
receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor).
Case presentation: Three patients aged 67, 40 and 34 years presented with breast lump and
were diagnosed invasive ductal carcinoma. There was no history of familial breast cancer, any
other malignancy, or hormonal medication.Modified radical mastectomy was done and
specimen sent to surgical pathology department for histopathology. Modified Bloom
Richardson’s score was 7 and 8 with histological grade 2 for two of the cases. IHC was
performed and was positive for Hormone receptor and human epidermal growth factor
receptor. All the three cases were labelled as ‘Triple Positive’.
Conclusion: Breast cancer with all three receptor positive are rare to find but these cases do
exist. The biological significance and cross talks of their related pathways should be
investigated further for ‘triple positive’ breast cancer to determine intrinsic as this would help
to view the treatment options if these patients receive endocrine treatment in combination with
HER2 blocking agents or a separate therapy.