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Updated: May 11, 2026

Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Immunotherapeutic approaches in triple-negative breast cancer: latest research and clinical prospects
1Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Faculté de Pharmacie et Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2L 4M1.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), as defined by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression, is a challenging disease with the poorest prognosis of all breast cancer subtypes. Importantly, there are currently no known molecular targets for this subgroup of patients. Recent advances in genomics and gene expression profiling have shed new light on the molecule heterogeneity of TNBC. We present an overview of the scientific evidence suggesting that clinical outcome in TNBC is affected by tumor-infiltrating immune cells. We also describe tumor-associated antigens recently identified in TNBC. Finally, we review the current literature on promising immunotherapies for TNBC, including tumor vaccine approaches, immune-checkpoint inhibitors, antagonists of immunosuppressive molecules and adoptive cell therapies. It is our contention that selected patients with TNBC with lymphocytic tumor infiltrates at diagnosis may benefit from immune-based therapies and that these immunotherapies will be most beneficial in combination with cytotoxic drugs that potentiate adaptive anti-tumor immunity.
Insights
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) shows poor prognosis due to lack of molecular targets. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells and novel immunotherapies offer potential treatment avenues for TNBC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks specific molecular targets, presenting a significant clinical challenge.
- TNBC is characterized by the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 expression.
- Recent genomic studies reveal the molecular heterogeneity of TNBC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of tumor-infiltrating immune cells on TNBC clinical outcomes.
- To discuss newly identified tumor-associated antigens in TNBC.
- To summarize promising immunotherapeutic strategies for TNBC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific evidence on TNBC and immunotherapy.
- Analysis of studies investigating tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and tumor-associated antigens.
- Overview of current and emerging immunotherapies for TNBC.
Main Results:
- Clinical outcomes in TNBC are influenced by tumor-infiltrating immune cells.
- Specific tumor-associated antigens have been identified in TNBC.
- Various immunotherapies, including vaccines, immune-checkpoint inhibitors, and adoptive cell therapies, show promise.
Conclusions:
- Selected TNBC patients with lymphocytic infiltrates may benefit from immunotherapy.
- Combination therapies, particularly immunotherapy with cytotoxic drugs, may enhance anti-tumor immunity.
- Further research into immune-based strategies is crucial for advancing TNBC treatment.
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