Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer. Discover how it is diagnosed and the most effective treatment options available today.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that grows and spreads quickly. It lacks estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and HER2 protein. TNBC primarily affects black women, younger women under 40, and those with BRCA mutations.
Diagnosis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Diagnosis involves imaging tests like ultrasound and MRI, and confirmation through a biopsy. A needle extracts tissue from the breast, which is examined for cancer cell type and grade. Blood and organ function tests may also guide treatment planning. If results show negative ER, PR, and HER2, the diagnosis is confirmed as TNBC.
Best Treatment Options for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Since TNBC lacks ER, PR, and HER2, hormone and targeted therapies are ineffective. Treatment typically includes surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation, chosen based on cancer stage and patient health.
Treatment of Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III TNBC
Chemotherapy combined with surgery is common. It can be administered before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery.
Surgery Followed by Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy
For small tumours, breast-conserving surgery (BCS) or mastectomy is performed. If cancer has spread to lymph nodes, post-surgical chemotherapy or radiation is used to reduce recurrence risk.
Chemotherapy Followed by Surgery
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, sometimes combined with immunotherapy (e.g., Pembrolizumab), can shrink tumours before surgery. If residual cancer remains after surgery, additional chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be used.
Treatment of Stage IV TNBC
When cancer spreads beyond the breast, chemotherapy becomes the primary treatment. If PD-L1 protein is present, immunotherapy may be added. PD-L1 is found in about 20% of TNBC cases.
Advanced Treatments for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
USFDA-approved immunotherapy drugs include:
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda): Used for PD-L1-positive, locally advanced or metastatic TNBC. Can be combined with chemo pre-surgery or used post-surgery for high recurrence risk.
- Sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy): Approved for previously treated metastatic TNBC and recurrent cancer.
Clinical Trials for TNBC
Clinical trials offer access to emerging treatments not available in standard care. Consider discussing trial eligibility with your doctor to explore this option.
Want to Know the Best Treatment Option for You?
At Onco, our multidisciplinary team tailors treatment plans based on your cancer type and overall health. Contact us via our website or call 8062972780 to explore your options.