Over 2,700 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year, and about 90% of male breast cancer is hormone-receptor-positive (ER+ and/or PR+). Doctors typically treat men with hormone-positive MBC similar to how they treat women, with drugs such as tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, and fulvestrant.
However, male breast cancer has unique characteristics and may respond differently to medication than women. Clinical research is needed to determine the best way to treat male MBC. Because men have mostly been excluded from breast cancer clinical trials, the FDA issued guidance in 2020 recommending men be included in breast cancer clinical trials unless there is a specific reason to exclude them.
Read below for general information about treating MBC in men and for the FDA’s recommendation about including men in breast cancer clinical trials.
General Information On Male MBC
- American Cancer Society: Hormone Therapy For Breast Cancer In Men
- Breastcancer.org: ASCO Issues Guidelines On Managing Male Breast Cancer
- Medscape: Medications Used In The Treatment of Male Breast Cancer
- Male Breast Cancer Coalition: Resources For Male Breast Cancer
- HuffPost:Â Male Breast Cancer Is Rare But It Exists. Here Are The Signs
FDA Guidance On Including Men In Breast Cancer Clinical Trials
- Metastatic Trial Talk: More Men Needed In Breast Cancer Trials
Clinical Trials For Male Breast Cancer
Last Modified on December 12, 2023