Breast cancer breakthrough, from Italy world’s first task force tackles most insidious form – lobular mammary carcinoma
European Institute of Oncology in Milan leads revolution in lobular breast cancer fight
Hope-inspiring news for thousands of women: Italy launches the first international research dedicated to lobular mammary carcinoma, the second most common type of breast cancer but also the most “insidious” to combat.
The initiative, led by the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan, has created an unprecedented scientific collaboration involving some of the world’s most prestigious research centers, from Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York to the University of California.
What is lobular mammary carcinoma
Lobular mammary carcinoma accounts for approximately 10-15% of all diagnosed breast cancers. It’s called “insidious” because it presents characteristics that make it particularly difficult to detect and treat:
- Grows “silently,” often without forming palpable lumps
- Can be difficult to see on traditional mammograms
- Tends to recur even many years after initial treatment
- Responds less well to standard chemotherapies
Dr. Corso: “Finally a team dedicated to this tumor”
“Our group aims to solve the main clinical problems posed by this insidious tumor,” explains Dr. Giovanni Corso, breast surgeon at IEO and coordinator of the international project. “We want to understand why lobular tumor can recur late, even after 10 years, why it has poor response to chemotherapy and why it has strong locoregional aggressiveness.”
The study, published in the scientific journal Cancer Treatment Reviews, represents the first step of an ambitious research program aimed at dramatically improving treatments for this type of tumor.
Discoveries that change everything
Researchers have identified the genetic “fingerprints” of lobular carcinoma, discovering specific mutations (CDH1, PIK3CA, ERBB2) that distinguish it from other mammary tumors. This information is fundamental for developing targeted therapies.
But there’s more: the study has also clarified which diagnostic tests are most effective for early detection.
Early diagnosis: MRI makes the difference
One of the most important discoveries concerns diagnosis. While traditional mammography and ultrasound can “miss” this tumor due to its particular growth pattern, magnetic resonance imaging and contrast mammography have proven much more precise in detecting it.
“This means that women with suspected lobular carcinoma must be directed toward more specific examinations,” emphasizes Corso. “It’s essential to turn to specialized centers with equipped Breast Units.”
Advice for women: prevention and lifestyle
The research doesn’t limit itself to treatments but also offers valuable prevention guidelines. IEO experts have identified several modifiable risk factors:
To avoid or limit:
- Prolonged hormone replacement therapy (beyond 5 years)
- Obesity, especially after menopause
- Sedentary lifestyle
To do:
- Genetic testing in case of breast cancer family history
- Regular physical activity
- Balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Periodic breast examinations at specialized centers
When to turn to a specialized center
“If you discover you have lobular mammary carcinoma, you must turn to a specialized center,” warns Dr. Corso. Not all hospitals are equipped to manage this particular tumor form, which requires:
- Advanced imaging diagnostics (MRI, contrast mammography)
- Specific molecular analyses
- Specialized surgery
- Personalized therapies
Surgery adapts to the enemy
Lobular carcinoma grows “infiltratively,” meaning it infiltrates between healthy tissues making it difficult to define its boundaries. For this reason, surgeons are developing specific operative techniques, adapted to this particular growth modality.
“We cannot treat all breast tumors the same way,” explains Professor Paolo Veronesi, Director of the IEO Breast Program. “Just as treatment is personalized for each patient, research must also focus on the specific tumor type.”
Future prospects: toward 100% lobular breast cancer cure
The international task force’s objective is ambitious: bringing breast cancer curability close to 100%. To achieve this, researchers are working on several fronts:
- New therapies to overcome chemotherapy resistance
- Strategies to prevent late recurrences
- Increasingly precise surgical protocols
- Genetic tests to identify at-risk individuals
A model for other tumors
“Breast cancer is the most studied tumor worldwide and is often a model for research and treatment of other cancer types,” concludes Veronesi. Progress achieved in the last 10 years has been extraordinary, but now it’s time for the definitive quality leap.
Italy at the forefront
This initiative confirms Italian excellence in oncological research. Milan’s IEO, together with the State University, leads an international network including some of the world’s most prestigious research centers.
“The results we’ve achieved in recent years are extraordinary,” emphasizes Veronesi. “But to make further progress we must analyze type by type, starting from the most difficult to study.”
What it means for patients
For women facing lobular mammary carcinoma, this research represents a concrete breakthrough:
- More precise diagnoses through new protocols
- Personalized treatments based on tumor genetic profile
- Less invasive but more effective surgery
- Reduced recurrence possibilities through targeted therapies
The message of hope
“Even the most fearsome types of mammary tumors, if thoroughly studied, can be better cured,” concludes Dr. Corso. The birth of this international research group represents a message of hope for all women: science never stops and every day brings us closer to definitively defeating cancer.
Useful info
For information about specialized centers and prevention programs, you can consult the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) website or contact your family doctor to be directed toward appropriate facilities in your area.
The research has just been published in the scientific journal Cancer Treatment Reviews.
Tumore al seno lobulare: dallo IEO la prima task force mondiale
