Primary lung adenocarcinoma with breast metastasis harboring the EML4‑ALK fusion: A case report

Zhang,Wenwen; Zhang,Yu; Zhou,Lei; Tan,Na; Bai,Yuju; Xing,Shiyun

doi:10.3892/ol.2024.14409

Primary lung adenocarcinoma with breast metastasis harboring the EML4‑ALK fusion: A case report

Authors:
- Wenwen Zhang
- Yu Zhang
- Lei Zhou
- Na Tan
- Yuju Bai
- Shiyun Xing
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Affiliations: Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China, Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
Published online on: April 22, 2024 https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2024.14409
Article Number: 276
Copyright: © Zhang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Pulmonary adenocarcinoma with breast metastasis is rarely encountered in clinical practice. Therefore, precise clinical diagnosis of patients with this disease is crucial when selecting subsequent treatment modalities and for overall prognosis assessment. The present study reported on a case of lung cancer with breast metastasis harboring the EML4‑ALK fusion. The patient was initially diagnosed with triple‑negative breast cancer with lung metastasis, but comprehensive breast cancer treatment was ineffective. Reevaluation of the patient's condition via lung biopsy revealed primary lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, the results of genetic testing revealed the EML4‑ALK fusion protein in both lung and breast tissues. After treatment with ALK inhibitors, the patient's symptoms improved rapidly. This case highlights the prolonged diagnostic journey from presentation with a breast mass to ultimately being diagnosed with lung cancer with breast metastasis, underscoring the critical need for heightened awareness among clinicians regarding the possibility of rare metastatic patterns. Timely identification of lung cancer with breast metastasis, facilitated by comprehensive genetic testing, not only refines treatment decisions but also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in navigating complex clinical scenarios. Such insight contributes to the ongoing development of personalized cancer care that guides clinicians toward more effective and tailored therapeutic strategies for patients with similar diagnostic challenges.

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