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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
What is triple-negative breast cancer?
William J Irvin1, Lisa A Carey
1Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7305, USA.
Abstract:
Triple-negative (ER-negative, PR-negative, HER2/neu not overexpressed) breast cancer has distinct clinical and pathologic features, and is a clinical problem because of its relatively poor prognosis, aggressive behaviour and lack of targeted therapies, leaving chemotherapy as the mainstay of treatment. Most triple-negative tumours fall into the basal-like molecular subtype of breast cancer, but the terms are not completely synonymous. Among the intriguing characteristics of triple-negative breast cancer is its association with cancers arising in BRCA1 mutation carriers, in young women and in African-American women. The reasons for these associations are unclear but may ultimately provide avenues for prevention and targeted therapy. This review discusses the definitions and characteristics of as well as current and evolving therapies for triple-negative and basal-like breast cancer.
Insights
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive and lacks targeted treatments. This review covers TNBC and basal-like breast cancer characteristics and therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Pathology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2/neu overexpression.
- TNBC presents distinct clinical and pathological features, often associated with a poorer prognosis and aggressive behavior.
- Chemotherapy remains the primary treatment for TNBC due to the lack of targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the definitions and characteristics of triple-negative and basal-like breast cancer.
- To discuss current and emerging therapeutic strategies for these breast cancer subtypes.
- To explore the associations of TNBC with BRCA1 mutations, young age, and African-American ethnicity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical and pathological studies on triple-negative and basal-like breast cancer.
- Analysis of current treatment guidelines and emerging therapeutic approaches.
- Examination of epidemiological data and genetic associations.
Main Results:
- Most triple-negative tumors align with the basal-like molecular subtype, though the terms are not interchangeable.
- TNBC is linked to BRCA1 mutations, younger patients, and African-American women, with underlying reasons requiring further investigation.
- Current treatment relies on chemotherapy, with ongoing research into targeted therapies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the unique features of TNBC and basal-like breast cancer is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Further research into the biological underpinnings of TNBC associations may reveal novel prevention and treatment strategies.
- Evolving therapies offer hope for more targeted and effective management of these aggressive breast cancer subtypes.
