Work

From Haemorrhagic Shock to Years of Survival: A Case Report of PIK3CA-Mutated Estrogen Receptor-Positive and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Negative (ER+/HER2-) Metastatic Breast Cancer With Satellite Lesions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Metastatic hormone-receptor-positive (HR+) human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer remains the most common subtype of metastatic breast cancer, and is increasingly approached as a chronic condition. Genomic alterations in this disease subtype can create opportunities for targeted intervention, and advances in systemic therapy and radiotherapy have extended survival. However, real-world management continues to be shaped by treatment-related toxicities, cost considerations, and the evolving nature of tumour biology. We describe a 69-year-old Georgian woman who presented in haemorrhagic shock due to a neglected ulcerated breast mass and was subsequently found to have de novo stage IV HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer. She achieved a partial remission with induction docetaxel, but over three years she required multiple lines of systemic therapy, including sequential endocrine agents, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor ribociclib, capecitabine, and eventually the PI3Kα inhibitor alpelisib following identification of an exon 9 PIK3CA mutation on next-generation sequencing. Alpelisib had to be discontinued because of severe hyperglycaemia. The case illustrates how repeated biopsies and genomic profiling can reveal actionable targets yet highlights the difficulties in balancing efficacy, toxicity, cost, and patient preferences. It also underscores the importance of multidisciplinary care, judicious use of palliative radiotherapy, and advocacy for equitable access to modern therapies.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.91888

Authors: Giorgi Vepkhishvili, Elene Zaalishvili, Luka Beridze, Zaza Aladashvili, Anano Nebieridze

Institutions: David Tvildiani Medical University, Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy, Tbilisi State Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Breast Cancer Therapies

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4414147301