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Narrowing the focus: Therapeutic cell surface targets for refractory triple-negative breast cancer
Narges K Tafreshi1, David L Morse1, Marie Catherine Lee2
1Department of Cancer Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, United States.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined as a type of breast cancer with lack of expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor 2 protein. In comparison to other types of breast cancer, TNBC characterizes for its aggressive behavior, more prone to early recurrence and a disease with poor response to molecular target therapy. Although TNBC is identified in only 25%-30% of American breast cancer cases annually, these tumors continue to be a therapeutic challenge for clinicians for several reasons: Tumor heterogeneity, limited and toxic systemic therapy options, and often resistance to current standard therapy, characterized by progressive disease on treatment, residual tumor after cytotoxic chemotherapy, and early recurrence after complete surgical excision. Cell-surface targeted therapies have been successful for breast cancer in general, however there are currently no approved cell-surface targeted therapies specifically indicated for TNBC. Recently, several cell-surface targets have been identified as candidates for treatment of TNBC and associated targeted therapies are in development. The purpose of this work is to review the current clinical challenges posed by TNBC, the therapeutic approaches currently in use, and provide an overview of developing cell surface targeting approaches to improve outcomes for treatment resistant TNBC.
Insights
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents aggressive challenges and resistance to current therapies. New cell-surface targeted treatments are under development to improve outcomes for this difficult-to-treat cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 expression, leading to aggressive behavior and poor treatment response.
- TNBC accounts for 25%-30% of U.S. breast cancer cases, posing significant clinical challenges due to tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance.
- Current systemic therapies for TNBC are limited, toxic, and often ineffective, resulting in disease progression, residual tumors, and early recurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current clinical challenges associated with triple-negative breast cancer.
- To summarize existing therapeutic approaches for TNBC.
- To provide an overview of emerging cell-surface targeting strategies for treatment-resistant TNBC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical challenges in TNBC.
- Analysis of current therapeutic strategies for TNBC.
- Review of novel cell-surface targets and therapies in development for TNBC.
Main Results:
- TNBC is characterized by aggressive behavior, heterogeneity, and resistance to standard therapies.
- Limited efficacy and toxicity are hallmarks of current TNBC treatment options.
- Several cell-surface targets are being investigated for TNBC therapy, with targeted agents in development.
Conclusions:
- TNBC remains a significant therapeutic challenge requiring novel treatment strategies.
- Cell-surface targeted therapies represent a promising avenue for improving outcomes in treatment-resistant TNBC.
- Further research and development of targeted therapies are crucial for advancing TNBC patient care.
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