Outcomes of Metaplastic Breast Cancer Versus Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

Abstract

This study aims to compare the survival outcomes of metaplastic breast cancer (MPBC) with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and identify prognostic factors that influence the survival outcomes of MPBC patients and TNBC patients. Patients with nonmetastatic MPBC or TNBC were reviewed from our database. Patients' clinicopathologic and molecular features were analyzed with respect to outcomes, including disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Propensity score matching (PSM) with a one-to-three matching between MPBC patients and TNBC patients was performed. A total of 857 female patients (76 MPBC patients and 781 TNBC patients) were included in this study. A subgroup of triple-negative MPBC (n = 60) was matched with TNBC (n = 180) cases based on patient characteristics and treatments. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the MPBC group was associated with worse OS and DFS before (P = 0.0046 both) and after (P = 0.011 and P = 0.0046, respectively) PSM. Multivariable analysis revealed that a higher T stage (T > 2) (P = 0.032) and higher lymph node stage (N3 vs. N0-2, P = 0.012) were associated with worse OS after PSM. For DFS, the MPBC group (P = 0.012), higher T stage (T > 2) (P = 0.032), and higher lymph node stage (N3 vs. N0-2, P = 0.045) were associated with worse DFS. Among the 76 MPBC patients, a higher T stage and mesenchymal differentiation were associated with worse OS (pT1/2 vs. pT3/4 and mesenchymal differentiation vs. other subtypes, P = 0.007 and P = 0.011, respectively). Compared with TNBC, MPBC was associated with worse OS and DFS. Mesenchymal differentiation has a worse DFS than other subtypes of MPBC.