Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
Disease Details
Family Health Simplified
- Description
- Invasive lobular carcinoma is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk-producing lobules and can spread to surrounding tissues.
- Type
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer. It typically occurs sporadically, but can also have a hereditary component. Genetic mutations in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and others can increase the risk of developing ILC, indicating a potential autosomal dominant inheritance pattern in those cases with familial predisposition.
- Signs And Symptoms
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Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that originates in the milk-producing lobules. The signs and symptoms of ILC can be subtle and may include:
1. A thickening or hardening in the breast that may feel different from surrounding tissue.
2. An area of fullness or swelling in the breast.
3. Changes in the texture or appearance of the skin over the breast, such as dimpling.
4. A newly inverted nipple.
5. Unexplained pain or tenderness in the breast.
6. A lump or swelling in the underarm area.
Please let me know if you need information on a specific aspect of this disease. - Prognosis
- Overall, the five-year survival rate of invasive lobular carcinoma was approximately 85% in 2003.
- Onset
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is typically diagnosed in individuals in their 50s and 60s, but it can occur at any age. The onset can be insidious, as ILC often does not form a distinct lump and may present as thickening or fullness in the breast. This subtle presentation can lead to a later stage diagnosis. Regular screening and attention to subtle breast changes are important for early detection.
- Prevalence
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most common type of breast cancer, accounting for approximately 10-15% of all invasive breast cancers.
- Epidemiology
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 10-15% of all breast cancer cases. It predominantly affects women, especially those over the age of 50. The risk factors for ILC are similar to those of other types of breast cancer and include age, genetic factors, family history, hormone replacement therapy, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and obesity. The incidence of ILC has been rising, which may be partially attributed to increased use of postmenopausal hormone therapy.
- Intractability
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that can be challenging to diagnose and treat. While not necessarily intractable, its treatment can be complex. It typically responds to conventional treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. The prognosis and treatment approach depend on the cancer's stage, grade, and hormone receptor status. Early detection and individualized treatment plans improve outcomes, making it manageable though not always easily treated.
- Disease Severity
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk-producing lobules and invades surrounding tissues. The severity of ILC can vary depending on several factors, including the stage at diagnosis, tumor size, lymph node involvement, and the presence of distant metastasis. Early-stage ILC generally has a better prognosis, while advanced stages with larger tumors and metastasis indicate a more severe disease and can be more challenging to treat. Nan is not a factor typically associated with the severity of invasive lobular carcinoma.
- Healthcare Professionals
- Disease Ontology ID - DOID:3457
- Pathophysiology
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Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that begins in the lobules (glands that produce milk) and spreads to the surrounding tissues.
Pathophysiology:
- **Cellular Origin**: ILC originates from the lobules of the breast and is characterized by the loss of the protein E-cadherin, which normally helps cells stick together. This loss contributes to the unique growth pattern of ILC, where cancer cells invade breast tissues in a single-file line.
- **Tumor Growth**: Unlike other forms of breast cancer, ILC tends to grow in a more diffuse, less well-defined manner within the breast tissues, often making it harder to detect by physical exams or mammograms.
- **Metastasis**: Over time, ILC can invade nearby tissues and metastasize to distant organs, including bones, liver, lungs, and sometimes the gastrointestinal tract.
- **Hormone Receptors**: Most ILC tumors are hormone receptor-positive, meaning they possess receptors for estrogen and/or progesterone, which can significantly influence their growth and response to hormonal therapies.
Understanding the distinct pathophysiology of invasive lobular carcinoma aids in the development of targeted treatments and influences clinical management strategies. - Carrier Status
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands) of the breast. Carrier status refers to the presence of genetic mutations that can increase the risk of developing certain diseases. While ILC itself is not typically referred to in terms of "carrier status," individuals with certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, may have an increased risk of developing ILC. Genetic testing can determine if a person carries these mutations.
- Mechanism
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Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and spreads into surrounding breast tissue.
**Mechanism:**
ILC typically spreads in a single-file pattern due to the lack of E-cadherin, a cell adhesion protein. This absence diminishes cell-cell adhesion, making it easier for cancer cells to infiltrate surrounding tissues.
**Molecular Mechanisms:**
1. **E-cadherin Loss:** The most notable molecular feature is the loss of function of the CDH1 gene, which encodes E-cadherin. Mutations or epigenetic changes lead to decreased E-cadherin expression, contributing to reduced cell adhesion and increased invasiveness.
2. **ER/PR Status:** ILC frequently expresses estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR), making it hormone receptor-positive. This affects growth and progression.
3. **PI3K/Akt Pathway:** Alterations in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, often through mutations in the PIK3CA gene, are common and play a role in cell survival, proliferation, and metabolism.
4. **Loss of p53:** Abnormalities in the TP53 gene, involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis, may also be found, though less frequently compared to other types of breast cancer.
5. **HER2 Status:** ILC can be HER2-positive or negative; however, it is more commonly HER2-negative.
Understanding these molecular mechanisms aids in the diagnosis, prognosis, and targeting treatment strategies for ILC. - Treatment
- Treatment includes surgery and adjuvant therapy.
- Compassionate Use Treatment
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For invasive lobular carcinoma, compassionate use treatments and off-label or experimental treatments may be considered in situations where standard therapies are not effective or suitable.
1. **Compassionate Use Treatment**: This involves accessing investigational drugs outside of clinical trials, often through programs provided by pharmaceutical companies or regulatory agencies such as the FDA’s Expanded Access Program.
2. **Off-label Treatments**: These refer to the use of approved medications in a manner different from the approved indications. Examples may include:
- **Everolimus** and **Exemestane**: Originally approved for other types of breast cancer but sometimes used off-label for invasive lobular carcinoma.
- **CDK4/6 inhibitors**: Such as Palbociclib, Ribociclib, and Abemaciclib, which are primarily approved for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers but might be used off-label based on patient-specific factors.
3. **Experimental Treatments**: These are interventions still under investigation in clinical trials. Examples include:
- **PI3K inhibitors**: Targeting the PI3K pathway which is often mutated in breast cancer.
- **Immunotherapy**: Using immune checkpoint inhibitors like Pembrolizumab, which may be under exploration for specific genetic profiles.
- **Targeted Therapies**: Specific to genetic mutations identified through genomic testing of tumors, such as AKT inhibitors or specific monoclonal antibodies.
Eligibility and appropriateness for these treatments depend on individual patient circumstances, including the stage and genetic characteristics of the cancer, previous treatments, and overall health. Consulting with an oncologist for personalized treatment options is crucial. - Lifestyle Recommendations
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For invasive lobular carcinoma, lifestyle recommendations include:
1. **Healthy Diet**: Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit intake of processed foods, red meats, and sugary beverages.
2. **Regular Exercise**: Engage in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, for at least 150 minutes a week to maintain a healthy weight and improve overall well-being.
3. **Weight Management**: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight, as obesity can increase the risk of cancer recurrence and other health problems.
4. **Limit Alcohol**: Reduce alcohol consumption, as alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer. Recommendations generally suggest no more than one drink per day for women.
5. **Smoking Cessation**: Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, as smoking can increase the risk of many cancers and other serious health issues.
6. **Regular Screenings**: Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for regular mammograms and other screenings to detect any recurrence or new cancers early.
7. **Stress Management**: Practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises to improve mental and emotional health.
8. **Sleep Hygiene**: Ensure adequate and quality sleep each night to support overall health.
9. **Stay Informed**: Keep up-to-date with the latest information and guidelines regarding invasive lobular carcinoma and communicate regularly with your healthcare team to personalize your care plan.
Adhering to these lifestyle recommendations can help improve recovery, reduce the risk of recurrence, and enhance overall quality of life. - Medication
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Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that begins in the lobules, the milk-producing glands of the breast. Treatment options for ILC often include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.
Medication options may include:
1. **Hormone Therapy**: Because ILC is often hormone receptor-positive, it may be treated with hormone-blocking medications such as:
- Tamoxifen: Blocks estrogen receptors.
- Aromatase Inhibitors (e.g., letrozole, anastrozole): Lower the body’s estrogen levels.
- Fulvestrant: Destroys estrogen receptors.
2. **Chemotherapy**: Used to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Common drugs include:
- Doxorubicin (Adriamycin).
- Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).
- Paclitaxel (Taxol).
- Docetaxel (Taxotere).
3. **Targeted Therapy**: Focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth and spread:
- Trastuzumab (Herceptin): For HER2-positive cancers.
4. **CDK4/6 Inhibitors**: For metastatic hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer:
- Palbociclib (Ibrance).
- Ribociclib (Kisqali).
- Abemaciclib (Verzenio).
Always consult with a healthcare provider for an individualized treatment plan. - Repurposable Drugs
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Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules). Current research is exploring the repurposing of various drugs for the treatment of ILC. Some candidates for drug repurposing include:
1. **Bisphosphonates** (e.g., zoledronic acid) - traditionally used to treat osteoporosis, they may have anti-tumor effects.
2. **Metformin** - a diabetes medication that may inhibit cancer cell growth.
3. **Statins** - used for lowering cholesterol, they might also reduce cancer progression.
4. **Beta-blockers** - typically prescribed for heart conditions, they may slow down the spread of cancer.
5. **Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)** - such as aspirin, which have potential anti-cancer properties.
These drugs are under investigation and should not be used for ILC treatment without medical supervision and guidance from healthcare professionals. - Metabolites
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer. Currently, there is no specific information available directly linking particular metabolites to ILC. However, cancer metabolomics is a growing field of study, analyzing changes in metabolic pathways and metabolite profiles associated with cancer progression, including ILC. Common metabolic alterations in cancers include changes in glucose, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Targeted research may provide more specific metabolites linked to ILC in the future.
- Nutraceuticals
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Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that begins in the lobules, the glands that produce milk. While there is no specific nutraceutical regimen proven to treat ILC, some general dietary supplements and nutraceuticals that may support overall health and potentially aid in managing cancer symptoms include:
1. **Omega-3 fatty acids**: Found in fish oil, these may help reduce inflammation.
2. **Curcumin**: Active ingredient in turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties.
3. **Green tea extract**: Contains polyphenols, which have antioxidant and possible anti-cancer effects.
4. **Vitamin D**: Essential for overall health, and some studies suggest it may have a role in reducing breast cancer risk.
5. **Probiotics**: Support gut health and the immune system.
It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or nutraceuticals, especially when dealing with cancer. - Peptides
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) often requires advanced therapeutic strategies, including the use of therapeutic peptides. These peptides can be designed to specifically target tumor cells or modulate the immune response against the cancer. Nanotechnology is also being explored to enhance the delivery of these peptides, improve drug solubility, and increase targeted treatment with minimal side effects. Nanocarriers, such as liposomes, nanoparticles, and dendrimers, can be engineered to deliver therapeutic peptides directly to cancer cells, improving the efficacy and safety of ILC treatments.