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Updated: May 30, 2026

Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
[Molecular and genetic aspects of triple negative breast cancer and therapeutic implications]
J Collignon1, I Struman, S Tabruyn
1Service d'Oncologie Médicale, CHU de Liège, Belgique. joelle.collignon@chu.ulg.ac.be
Abstract:
Triple negative breast cancers are defined by the lack of expression of estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors. They represent an heterogeneous population with poor prognosis. The treatment of these tumors is a challenge because there is no known specific target. A huge number of studies try to better characterise these tumors at the molecular level with the aim to identify new therapeutic targets. The finding of new specific biomarkers like intracellular and extracellular microRNAs is also an important field of research. This article reviews some recent data in this field and the research on different pathways for the development of new therapies.
Insights
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks specific targets, presenting a poor prognosis. Research focuses on molecular characterization and identifying novel biomarkers, such as microRNAs, to develop new therapies for this challenging cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors.
- TNBC represents a heterogeneous group of tumors with a generally poor prognosis.
- The lack of specific molecular targets makes TNBC treatment challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding the molecular characteristics of TNBC.
- To explore the potential of novel biomarkers, including microRNAs, for TNBC diagnosis and treatment.
- To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies targeting various pathways in TNBC.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on TNBC molecular profiling.
- Analysis of studies investigating intracellular and extracellular microRNAs as biomarkers.
- Examination of research on signaling pathways implicated in TNBC development and progression.
Main Results:
- TNBC heterogeneity necessitates detailed molecular characterization for effective treatment.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as specific biomarkers for TNBC.
- Identification of several molecular pathways offers potential targets for new therapeutic interventions.
Conclusions:
- Further molecular characterization of TNBC is crucial for identifying new therapeutic targets.
- MicroRNA-based biomarkers could significantly improve TNBC management.
- Targeting specific molecular pathways holds promise for developing more effective TNBC therapies.
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