New targets for triple-negative breast cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genomics
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2/neu expression.
• TNBC exhibits an aggressive clinical course and has been molecularly subtyped, revealing distinct alterations.
• Genomic studies highlight similarities between TNBC and high-grade serous ovarian cancers, suggesting potential for coordinated treatment approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on the molecular characteristics of TNBC.
• To discuss emerging therapeutic targets and pathways being investigated in clinical trials for TNBC.
• To emphasize the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing TNBC care.

Main Methods:

• Review of large-scale genomic projects and preclinical findings in TNBC.
• Analysis of ongoing clinical trials targeting various pathways in TNBC.
• Synthesis of information on molecular alterations and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• TNBC exhibits diverse molecular subsets with unique alterations.
• Potential therapeutic targets include EGFR, angiogenesis, DNA repair, epigenetics, AR, and FR signaling.
• Similarities with ovarian cancers suggest shared treatment strategies.

Conclusions:

• Advancing TNBC treatment requires understanding its complex biology and molecular heterogeneity.
• Targeting specific pathways and leveraging similarities with other cancers are key research directions.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial for improving outcomes for patients with TNBC.