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Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
The Landscape of Targeted Therapies in TNBC
Elena Vagia1, Devalingam Mahalingam1, Massimo Cristofanilli1
1Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Abstract:
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) constitutes the most aggressive molecular subtype among breast tumors. Despite progress on the underlying tumor biology, clinical outcomes for TNBC unfortunately remain poor. The median overall survival for patients with metastatic TNBC is approximately eighteen months. Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment while there is a growing body of evidence that targeted therapies may be on the horizon with poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and immune check-point inhibitors already established in the treatment paradigm of TNBC. A large number of novel therapeutic agents are being evaluated for their efficacy in TNBC. As novel therapeutics are now incorporated into clinical practice, it is clear that tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution can result to de novo or acquired treatment resistance. As precision medicine and next generation sequencing is part of cancer diagnostics, tailored treatment approaches based on the expression of molecular markers are currently being implemented in clinical practice and clinical trial design. The scope of this review is to highlight the most relevant current knowledge regarding underlying molecular profile of TNBC and its potential application in clinical practice.
Insights
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains aggressive with poor outcomes. This review highlights TNBC molecular profiles and their application in precision medicine for improved treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype, with poor clinical outcomes and limited survival for metastatic patients.
- Chemotherapy is the primary treatment, but targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors are emerging.
- Tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution contribute to treatment resistance, necessitating advanced therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the molecular profiles of TNBC.
- To explore the clinical applications of these molecular insights in TNBC treatment.
- To discuss the role of precision medicine in tailoring therapies for TNBC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on TNBC molecular characteristics.
- Analysis of emerging targeted therapies and their mechanisms.
- Discussion of the impact of next-generation sequencing and molecular markers in clinical practice.
Main Results:
- TNBC exhibits significant molecular heterogeneity and clonal evolution, leading to treatment resistance.
- Novel therapeutic agents are under investigation, with some already integrated into treatment paradigms.
- Precision medicine approaches, guided by molecular markers, are increasingly important for TNBC management.
Conclusions:
- Understanding TNBC's molecular profile is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Targeted therapies and precision medicine offer promising avenues for improving patient outcomes.
- Continued research into TNBC's molecular landscape is essential for advancing clinical practice.
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