Therapeutic targets in triple negative breast cancer - where are we now?

Yvonne H-F Teng1, Aye-Aye Thike, Nan-Soon Wong

  • 1Department of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, 169608, Singapore.

Insights

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks targeted therapies and has aggressive behavior. This review discusses TNBC

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2/EGFR2 expression.
  • TNBC exhibits aggressive clinical behavior, higher recurrence rates, and a predilection for brain and lung metastasis.
  • Prevalence varies significantly across ethnicities, with higher rates observed in individuals of African descent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent patents related to triple negative breast cancer.
  • To explore the intricate relationship between TNBC, basal-like breast cancer, and BRCA1-linked breast carcinomas.
  • To discuss potential treatment modalities and innovations for TNBC, focusing on predictive and prognostic values.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent patents and scientific publications.
  • Analysis of the molecular and clinical characteristics of triple negative breast cancer.
  • Synthesis of information on therapeutic strategies and diagnostic advancements.

Main Results:

  • Identified a growing body of research and patent activity surrounding TNBC.
  • Highlighted the strong association between TNBC, basal-like subtypes, and BRCA1 mutations.
  • Discussed emerging treatment approaches targeting specific pathways and biomarkers.

Conclusions:

  • TNBC remains a challenging subtype of breast cancer due to its aggressive nature and limited targeted therapies.
  • Understanding the links between TNBC, basal-like cancers, and BRCA1 is crucial for developing effective treatments.
  • Ongoing research and patent innovations offer promise for improved predictive, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies for TNBC.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...