MSKCC Second Opinion Leads to Personalized Treatment Strategy for Rare Breast Cancer Case
- Medebound HEALTH
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Author: Medical Editor Iris
Content:
A Glimmer of Hope in a Rare Diagnosis
At 56, Ms. Zheng (alias) had already faced breast cancer once. But when she was diagnosed again—this time with an extremely rare and aggressive subtype called metaplastic breast cancer (MBC)—her journey became even more complex.
MBC makes up just 1–2% of all breast cancer cases and tends to resist standard treatments. Seeking expert guidance beyond borders, Ms. Zheng turned to Medebound HEALTH, a U.S.-based medical service provider with 9 years of experience in international patient care. Through their coordination, she was connected to Dr. Nour Abuhadra, a leading expert from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in the U.S., for a remote video consultation.
Patient Profile at a Glance
Name: Ms. Zheng (alias)
Age: 56
Location: China
Initial Treatment Center: Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
Primary Diagnosis:
Invasive carcinoma of the left breast (Stage IIB, cT2N1M0)
Metaplastic carcinoma (carcinosarcoma)
Recurrent cancer in the right breast
A Complex Case History
Dec 2022: Diagnosed with right-sided invasive ductal carcinoma. Underwent standard treatment chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.
Apr 2024: New lump detected in the left breast. Biopsy revealed triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma. Tumor did not respond to additional chemotherapy.
Sept 2024: Left mastectomy performed. Pathology confirmed metaplastic breast carcinoma with lymph node involvement—a rare and concerning feature.
Why Metaplastic Breast Cancer Is So Challenging
Unlike typical breast cancers, MBC displays unusual cellular features, often resembling tissue types such as cartilage or squamous cells. This makes it harder to classify and treat. MBC is frequently resistant to conventional chemotherapy and has a poorly understood prognosis.
How Medebound HEALTH Helped
Upon learning of the recurrence, Ms. Zheng’s family contacted Medebound HEALTH, which swiftly translated her medical files and facilitated a remote consultation with Dr. Nour Abuhadra, a leading expert in rare breast cancers.
Meet Dr. Nour – MSKCC
Position: Director of the Rare Breast Cancer Program at MSKCC
Focus Areas:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
Immuno-oncology
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)
Academic & Clinical Experience: Weill Cornell, Cleveland Clinic, MD Anderson
Recognition: Among top 5% of U.S. breast cancer experts; frequent speaker at ASCO & ESMO
Remote Consultation: Detailed and Actionable
Dr. Abuhadra conducted a comprehensive review of Ms. Zheng’s:
Pathology slides
Treatment history
Imaging results
Genetic testing
Her key insights and recommendations included:
Diagnosis Confirmation: Metaplastic breast cancer (spindle cell subtype)
No Distant Metastasis: Confirmed via PET scan
Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA): Recommended for close monitoring
Personalized Treatment Plan
Targeted Therapy:
Recommended Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) like:
Sacituzumab govitecan
Datopotamab deruxtecan
These may be combined with immunotherapy if appropriate.
Clinical Trial Opportunities:
Encouraged participation in trials for novel ADC-based treatments.
Radiation Oncology:
Suggested a second opinion to explore adjuvant radiotherapy options.
Supportive Therapies:
Psychological support and acupuncture to manage treatment stress.
Genetic Counseling:
A BRCA1 mutation of uncertain significance was found. While not actionable for Ms. Zheng at the moment, family members may consider genetic testing.
Monitoring Plan
Year 1: PET scan every 3 months
Year 2: PET every 4 months, alternating with ctDNA tests
Year 3 onward: PET or ctDNA testing every 6 months
Biopsy Any Suspicion: Immediate action advised on any new lesion
Be Aware of Pseudoprogression: Can occur with immunotherapy; careful interpretation required
Patient’s Words: “I Finally Have a Direction.
After the consultation, Ms. Zheng shared how the expert’s clarity and compassion renewed her hope.
I was lost after trying several rounds of chemo with no effect. Dr. Abuhadra introduced new drugs, gave me a monitoring roadmap, and reassured me that there are still options ahead.
She is now preparing to enroll in a clinical trial and is following the suggested surveillance plan closely.
About MSKCC: Global Leader in Cancer Care
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) is one of the most prestigious cancer hospitals globally:
Founded in 1884
Over 120 research labs
Pioneer in developing FDA-approved therapies
Two Lasker Award recipients among its faculty
NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
Why Choose Medebound HEALTH?
Unlike traditional intermediaries, Medebound HEALTH is a U.S.-based direct medical service provider with deep ties to top American hospitals and specialists.
What Sets Us Apart:
Direct access to world-class physicians
Faster consultation scheduling with department chairs
Lower cost by avoiding middlemen
Personalized, U.S.-standard treatment planning
Recognized partner of top U.S. hospitals
Over 9 years serving international patients
Contact Us:
Contact Medebound HEALTH today for your bridge to world-class cancer care.
Email: support@medebound.com
Website: www.medeboundhealth.com
WhatsApp: +1 718 213 8508
Final Words
Ms. Zheng’s journey shows how cross-border medical consultations can offer powerful options even in the most complex cases. Thanks to expert insights from MSKCC and Medebound’s coordination, she’s no longer navigating cancer alone and she has a plan rooted in innovation and hope.
Disclaimer
The medical information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The outcomes and recommendations described are specific to the patient featured and may not be applicable to all cases. Medebound HEALTH facilitates access to expert opinions but does not provide medical treatment directly.
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