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Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Genetic Markers in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Zuzana Sporikova1, Vladimira Koudelakova1, Radek Trojanec1
1Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University and University Hospital in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15% to 20% of breast cancer cases and is characterized by the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptors. Though TNBC is a highly heterogenic and aggressive disease, TNBC patients have better response to neoadjuvant therapy compared to other breast cancer subtypes. Nevertheless, patients with residual disease have a very poor prognosis, with higher probability of relapse and lower overall survival in the first years after diagnosis. TNBC has 6 subtypes with distinct molecular signatures with different prognoses and probably different responses to therapy. The precise stratification of TNBC is therefore crucial for the development of potent standardized and targeted therapies. In spite of intensive research into finding new molecular biomarkers and designing personalized therapeutic approaches, BRCA mutational status is the only clinically validated biomarker for personalized therapy in TNBC. Recent studies have reported several promising biomarkers that are currently being validated through clinical trials. The objective of this review was to summarize the clinically relevant genetic markers for TNBC that could serve as diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive or could improve personalized therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive but responds to neoadjuvant therapy. Identifying genetic markers is crucial for personalized treatments and improving outcomes for patients with residual disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) constitutes 15-20% of breast cancer cases.
- TNBC is defined by the lack of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, presenting as a heterogeneous and aggressive subtype.
- Despite better initial response to neoadjuvant therapy, patients with residual disease face poor prognosis, higher relapse rates, and reduced survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinically relevant genetic markers for TNBC.
- To identify biomarkers that can aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of treatment response.
- To explore strategies for improving personalized therapeutic approaches in TNBC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies and clinical trials.
- Analysis of molecular signatures and genetic variations in TNBC.
- Evaluation of validated and emerging biomarkers for TNBC.
Main Results:
- TNBC exhibits 6 distinct molecular subtypes with varying prognoses and therapeutic responses.
- BRCA mutational status is currently the sole validated biomarker for personalized TNBC therapy.
- Several promising novel biomarkers are under investigation in ongoing clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- Precise stratification of TNBC based on molecular and genetic markers is essential for developing targeted therapies.
- Further validation of biomarkers is critical for advancing personalized medicine in TNBC.
- Identifying new genetic markers will improve diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive capabilities for TNBC patients.
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