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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Pharmacotherapy of triple-negative breast cancer
Cagatay Arslan1, Omer Dizdar, Kadri Altundag
1Hacettepe University Institute of Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, 06100 Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
The term 'triple-negative breast cancer' defines tumors that do not express estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors or Her2 on immunohistochemical analysis. This subgroup accounts for 15% of all types of breast cancer. Histologically, triple-negative breast cancers are poorly differentiated and are characterized by an aggressive clinical history. A significant overlap exists in biological and clinical characteristics of basal-like breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. Treatment options are limited, as these tumors lack a therapeutic target and are naturally resistant to existing targeted therapies, i.e., endocrine treatment and trastuzumab. As there are no specific treatment guidelines for this subgroup, triple-negative breast cancers are managed with standard treatment; however, local and systemic relapse rates are high due to the adverse biology of the disease. Triple-negative breast cancer has many histological and genetic similarities with BRCA-1-associated breast cancer, suggesting a common pathogenesis and the potential use of common chemotherapeutics in both cancers. This review discusses current and future treatment options in the light of the new insights in major proliferative pathways active in the pathogenesis of triple-negative breast cancer.
Insights
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks targeted therapies, leading to aggressive disease and high relapse rates. Research explores TNBC
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Pathology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprises 15% of breast cancers, characterized by a lack of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and Her2.
- TNBC tumors are typically poorly differentiated, exhibit aggressive clinical behavior, and share similarities with basal-like breast cancer.
- Limited treatment options exist for TNBC due to the absence of specific molecular targets and inherent resistance to endocrine therapy and trastuzumab.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and future treatment strategies for triple-negative breast cancer.
- To discuss new insights into proliferative pathways driving TNBC pathogenesis.
- To explore potential therapeutic approaches based on TNBC's similarities with BRCA-1-associated breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on triple-negative breast cancer.
- Analysis of histological and genetic characteristics of TNBC.
- Examination of biological and clinical data comparing TNBC and basal-like breast cancer.
- Investigation of proliferative pathways implicated in TNBC development.
Main Results:
- TNBC exhibits aggressive characteristics and high relapse rates with standard treatments.
- Significant overlap in biological and clinical features exists between TNBC and basal-like breast cancer.
- TNBC shares genetic and histological similarities with BRCA-1-associated breast cancer.
- Current treatment approaches for TNBC are limited, lacking targeted therapies.
Conclusions:
- Triple-negative breast cancer presents a significant clinical challenge due to its aggressive nature and limited therapeutic options.
- Understanding the underlying proliferative pathways and genetic similarities, particularly with BRCA-1-associated cancers, is crucial for developing novel treatments.
- Future research should focus on targeted therapies and chemotherapeutics that address the specific biology of TNBC.
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