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Updated: May 13, 2026

Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Therapeutic targets in triple negative breast cancer
Sandra A O'Toole1, Jane M Beith, Ewan K A Millar
1Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia. Sandra.O’Toole@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
Abstract:
Outcomes have improved significantly for many women diagnosed with breast cancer. For the heterogeneous group of tumours lacking expression of the oestrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors, 'triple negative' breast cancers (TNBC), the prognosis overall has remained quite poor. When TNBC recurs, there is often little response to chemotherapy, and there are a few treatment options in this setting. Thus, there is an urgent clinical need to identify new therapeutic targets in order to improve the outlook for these patients. This review highlights the most promising therapeutic targets identified through new sequencing technologies, as well as through studies of apoptosis. We also present mounting evidence that the developmental signalling pathways Wnt/β-catenin, NOTCH and Hedgehog play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of TNBC with new therapeutic approaches inhibiting these pathways in advanced preclinical studies or early clinical trials.
Insights
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis with limited treatment options. This review explores novel therapeutic targets, including developmental pathways, to improve outcomes for TNBC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Breast cancer outcomes have improved, but triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains challenging.
- TNBC lacks expression of oestrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, leading to a poor prognosis.
- Recurrent TNBC often shows limited response to chemotherapy, highlighting an unmet clinical need.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review promising therapeutic targets for triple negative breast cancer.
- To highlight the role of developmental signalling pathways in TNBC pathogenesis.
- To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent sequencing technologies and apoptosis studies.
- Analysis of evidence implicating Wnt/β-catenin, NOTCH, and Hedgehog pathways in TNBC.
- Examination of preclinical and early clinical trial data for pathway inhibitors.
Main Results:
- New sequencing and apoptosis research have identified potential therapeutic targets.
- Developmental signalling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, NOTCH, Hedgehog) are crucial in TNBC progression.
- Inhibitors targeting these pathways show promise in preclinical and early clinical studies.
Conclusions:
- There is an urgent need for new therapeutic targets for TNBC.
- Targeting developmental signalling pathways represents a promising strategy.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to improve TNBC patient outcomes.
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