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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Is the future of personalized therapy in triple-negative breast cancer based on molecular subtype?
Fanny Le Du1,2, Bedrich L Eckhardt1, Bora Lim1,3
1Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Significant research has been conducted to better understand the extensive, heterogeneous molecular features of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We reviewed published TNBC molecular classifications to identify major groupings that have potential for clinical trial development. With the ultimate aim to streamline translational medicine, we linked these categories of TNBC according to their gene-expression signatures, biological function, and clinical outcome. To this end, we define five potential clinically actionable groupings of TNBC: 1) basal-like TNBC with DNA-repair deficiency or growth factor pathways; 2) mesenchymal-like TNBC with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell features; 3) immune-associated TNBC; 4) luminal/apocrine TNBC with androgen-receptor overexpression; and 5) HER2-enriched TNBC. For each defined subtype, we highlight the major biological pathways and discuss potential targeted therapies in TNBC that might abrogate disease progression. However, many of these potential targets need clinical validation by clinical trials. We have yet to know how we can enrich the targets by molecular classifications.
Insights
Researchers classified triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) into five actionable subtypes based on molecular features. This classification aims to guide targeted therapy development and clinical trial strategies for TNBC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease with complex molecular characteristics.
- Understanding TNBC's molecular landscape is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and consolidate existing TNBC molecular classifications.
- To define clinically actionable TNBC subtypes for translational medicine and clinical trial development.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of published TNBC molecular classifications.
- Linking TNBC categories by gene-expression signatures, biological function, and clinical outcomes.
- Identification of five potential TNBC groupings.
Main Results:
- Defined five clinically actionable TNBC subtypes: basal-like, mesenchymal-like, immune-associated, luminal/apocrine, and HER2-enriched.
- Detailed biological pathways and potential targeted therapies for each subtype.
- Highlighted the need for clinical validation of identified targets.
Conclusions:
- The proposed TNBC classification provides a framework for targeted therapy and clinical trial design.
- Further research is needed to validate these subtypes and optimize target enrichment strategies.
- Streamlining translational medicine through molecular classification is essential for advancing TNBC treatment.
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