Triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer is a type of breast cancer and also a relatively special type of breast cancer. Its incidence rate is not very high. However, the risk of death from this type of breast cancer is still relatively high, so it is best to detect and control the disease in the early stages, so as to better protect the patient's life safety. Below, we will introduce you to the relevant knowledge about triple-negative breast cancer!

1. Introduction to triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) refers to a special type of breast cancer that is negative for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2). TNBC accounts for approximately 15% of all breast cancers. Many of its biological characteristics are similar to those of basal cell-like breast cancer, but there are certain differences in gene expression profiles and immune phenotypes between the two, so they are not completely identical. Due to the lack of endocrine and anti-HER2 treatment targets, there is currently no targeted standard treatment for TNBC.

2. Current status of treatment for TNBC

The main medical treatment for TNBC is still chemotherapy. Over the years, research has focused on the selection of chemotherapy drugs, such as anthracyclines, taxanes, ixabepilone, platinum drugs, etc. TNBC is sensitive to DNA double-strand break agents, such as platinum, topoisomerase I and II inhibitors, etc. Clinical research results of neoadjuvant chemotherapy show that a high pathological complete remission rate can be achieved with cisplatin alone.

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved any drugs specifically for TNBC. Treatment options for advanced TNBC are limited. Most patients have already received treatment with anthracyclines, taxanes, and cyclophosphamide. Once the disease relapses or metastasizes, there are few drugs to choose from and the patient's prognosis is extremely poor.

Treatment of triple-negative breast cancer

Treatment strategy: There is no targeted therapy for triple-negative breast cancer, endocrine therapy is ineffective for hormone receptor-negative breast cancer, and Herceptin therapy is ineffective for Her-2-negative breast cancer. Therefore, the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer can only rely on chemotherapy.

Chemoradiotherapy: FEC followed by docetaxel chemotherapy has a good response. Taxanes have a certain effect on triple-negative breast cancer. Platinum drugs may be more effective in triple-negative breast cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin is quite effective.

Prognosis: The prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer is worse than other types, and the risk of death is higher.