Locoregional recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer with low tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes: a case report.
Khadija Khadiri, Zineb Khadrouf, Malak Sadry et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 49-year-old postmenopausal woman with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) experienced an unusual locoregional recurrence three months after a Patey mastectomy. She presented with a rapidly enlarging inflammatory mass at the surgical site. Histopathology confirmed a 12.2 cm grade III tumor with low tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). The patient underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgical excision, and adjuvant chemotherapy, showing good tolerance and no distant metastasis during follow-up.
What made this case unusual
The case is notable for the early locoregional recurrence of TNBC with low TILs, which is uncommon and suggests a unique aspect of tumor biology.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should be aware that low tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in TNBC may indicate a higher risk for early locoregional recurrence, impacting management strategies.
Why it matters
This case emphasizes the need to consider the tumor microenvironment, including TIL levels, in the risk assessment and personalized treatment planning for TNBC.