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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Clinicopathological characteristics of triple-negative breast cancers
1Pathology Section, Clinical Laboratory Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, 1-1-5 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan. fk1011815@yahoo.co.jp
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined as a group of breast carcinomas that are negative for expression of hormone receptors and HER2. Although patients with TNBC tend to have a poor prognosis, only chemotherapy is expected to be effective because no therapeutic targets have yet been established. DNA microarray analyses have proved that TNBCs are composed of the basal-like subtype and normal breast (or unclassified) subtype, the former being correlated with an aggressive clinical course. Histological types of TNBCs are reported to be common with those of basal-like subtype, comprising high-grade invasive ductal carcinoma, no special type [solid-tubular carcinoma (or atypical medullary carcinoma), invasive ductal carcinoma with a large central acellular zone], typical medullary carcinoma, and metaplastic carcinomas. The basal-like subtype is characterized by the expression of myoepithelial/basal markers and molecular changes including TP53 gene mutations, BRCA1 inactivation, and many chromosomal alterations. New target molecules for the treatment of TNBCs are under extensive investigation, and their clinical application is awaited.
Insights
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks therapeutic targets, leading to poor prognosis. Research indicates TNBC comprises basal-like and normal subtypes, with basal-like associated with aggressive disease and specific molecular alterations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2.
- TNBC often presents with a poor prognosis, and current treatment options are limited due to a lack of established therapeutic targets.
- DNA microarray analyses reveal TNBC comprises basal-like and normal breast subtypes, with the basal-like subtype linked to aggressive clinical behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular characteristics and subtypes of triple-negative breast cancer.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for TNBC treatment.
Main Methods:
- DNA microarray analyses were employed to classify TNBC subtypes.
- Histological examination identified common tumor types associated with the basal-like subtype.
- Molecular profiling assessed gene mutations and chromosomal alterations.
Main Results:
- TNBCs were classified into basal-like and normal breast subtypes.
- The basal-like subtype demonstrated a correlation with an aggressive clinical course.
- Key molecular features of the basal-like subtype include TP53 mutations, BRCA1 inactivation, and chromosomal abnormalities.
- Common histological types associated with basal-like TNBC include high-grade invasive ductal carcinoma and metaplastic carcinomas.
Conclusions:
- Triple-negative breast cancer exhibits distinct molecular subtypes, notably the aggressive basal-like subtype.
- Understanding these subtypes and their associated molecular alterations is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
- Further investigation into novel target molecules is essential for improving TNBC treatment outcomes.