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

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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