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Updated: Dec 17, 2025
Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Triple negative breast cancer: special histological types and emerging therapeutic methods
1Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China.
Abstract:
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a complex and malignant breast cancer subtype that lacks expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), thereby making therapeutic targeting difficult. TNBC is generally considered to have high malignancy and poor prognosis. However, patients diagnosed with certain rare histomorphologic subtypes of TNBC have better prognosis than those diagnosed with typical triple negative breast cancer. In addition, with the discovery and development of novel treatment targets such as the androgen receptor (AR), PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways, as well as emerging immunotherapies, the therapeutic options for TNBC are increasing. In this paper, we review the literature on various histological types of TNBC and focus on newly developed therapeutic strategies that target and potentially affect molecular pathways or emerging oncogenes, thus providing a basis for future tailored therapies focused on the mutational aspects of TNBC.
Insights
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents therapeutic challenges due to its aggressive nature. However, novel strategies targeting molecular pathways and immunotherapies offer hope for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking ER, PR, and HER2 expression, complicating treatment.
- TNBC typically has a poor prognosis, though rare histomorphologic subtypes show better outcomes.
- Emerging research identifies new therapeutic targets, including androgen receptor (AR) and signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review diverse histological types of TNBC.
- To focus on novel therapeutic strategies targeting molecular pathways and oncogenes in TNBC.
- To provide a foundation for future personalized TNBC therapies based on mutational analysis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of TNBC histological subtypes.
- Analysis of emerging therapeutic targets and strategies.
- Examination of molecular pathways and oncogenes relevant to TNBC.
Main Results:
- TNBC heterogeneity includes subtypes with varying prognoses.
- Novel therapeutic targets (AR, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, AMPK) and immunotherapies are expanding treatment options.
- Targeted therapies show potential for tailored treatment approaches.
Conclusions:
- Understanding TNBC histological diversity is crucial for prognosis.
- Advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapies are improving TNBC treatment landscapes.
- Future TNBC management will likely involve personalized strategies based on specific molecular alterations.
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