Aggressive Breast Cancer in Pregnancy: Poor Prognosis and Clinical Challenges in an Algerian Cohort

Background: Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to the need to balance maternal and fetal health. This retrospective study aims to analyze the clinical, pathological, and prognostic features of PABC in a cohort of patients. Methods: Eight cases of PABC diagnosed between 2021 and 2025 at the Medical Oncology Department of EH Didouche Mourad Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Data on epidemiology, clinical presentation, histopathology, treatment, and outcomes were collected. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 32 years. Tumors were predominantly invasive ductal carcinoma (75%), with 50% being grade III and 50% showing lymph node involvement. Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive, and triple-negative subtypes each accounted for 37.5% of cases. Treatment included surgery (50%), chemotherapy (37.5%), and radiotherapy (50%). The mortality rate was 37.5%, with a relapse rate of 25%. Conclusion: PABC is associated with aggressive tumor biology and poor prognosis, particularly in advanced stages and triple-negative subtypes. Multidisciplinary management is essential to optimize outcomes.