Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is indeed a challenging form of breast cancer to treat due to several factors:

  1. Lack of Hormone Receptors: Unlike other breast cancer subtypes, TNBC does not express estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This means that hormone therapies, which are effective in other breast cancer types, are not effective in treating TNBC.
  2. Aggressive Nature: TNBC tends to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer. It is more likely to spread and recur, often within the first three years after treatment.
  3. Early Onset: TNBC is more likely to occur in younger women compared to other breast cancer types, which can have significant implications for these individuals and their families.
  4. Visceral Metastasis: TNBC has a higher propensity to metastasize to visceral organs, such as the lungs and brain, which can complicate treatment and worsen the prognosis.
  5. Limited Targeted Therapies: Because TNBC lacks specific molecular targets, there are fewer targeted therapies available. Treatment options are often limited to chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
  6. Poor Prognosis: Due to its aggressive nature and lack of targeted treatments, TNBC often has a poorer prognosis compared to other breast cancer subtypes.

The median overall survival (OS) after recurrence can be less than one year, highlighting the need for more effective treatment strategies. Research is ongoing to find better treatments for TNBC. Some areas of investigation include:

  • Immunotherapy: Some TNBCs may respond to immunotherapy, which can help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
  • PARP Inhibitors: targeting the Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family of enzymes, which play a key role in DNA repair mechanisms. For patients with BRCA mutations, PARP inhibitors have shown promise in treating TNBC.
  • Androgen Receptor Inhibitors: Some TNBCs express androgen receptors, and drugs that target these receptors are being studied.
  • Platinum-based Chemotherapy: There is evidence that TNBC may be more sensitive to platinum-based chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin or carboplatin.
  • Clinical Trials: Patients with TNBC are often encouraged to participate in clinical trials that can provide access to new and potentially effective treatments.

The management of TNBC requires a multidisciplinary approach and close follow-up due to its aggressive nature and the high risk of recurrence. Ongoing research and clinical trials are crucial for developing new therapies to improve outcomes for TNBC patients.   Source: <a href=”https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(24)00675-6/fulltext?rss=yes”>Link</a>