Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 17, 2025

Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
09:29

Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model

Published on: March 20, 2020

18.3K

Molecular Classification of Triple Negative Breast Cancer and the Emergence of Targeted Therapies

Elizabeth Sakach1, Ruth O'Regan2, Jane Meisel1

  • 1Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.

Clinical Breast Cancer
|October 11, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive, but new targeted therapies are evolving. This review covers molecular classifications, biomarkers, and advanced treatments like immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates for TNBC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype, accounting for 15-20% of all breast cancers.
  • TNBC lacks targeted treatment options due to the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2.
  • Significant advancements in understanding TNBC's molecular complexity have paved the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of the recent developments in molecular classification and biomarkers for TNBC.
  • To summarize the progress in targeted therapies, including immunotherapy, PARP and AKT pathway inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and androgen receptor blockade.
  • To highlight the evolving treatment landscape for TNBC beyond traditional chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies and clinical trials.
  • Analysis of molecular subtyping and biomarker identification in TNBC.
  • Synthesis of data on emerging targeted therapies and their mechanisms of action.

Main Results:

  • TNBC exhibits significant molecular heterogeneity, necessitating tailored treatment approaches.
  • Immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, AKT pathway inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and androgen receptor blockade show promise in specific TNBC subtypes.
  • Biomarker development is crucial for identifying patients who will benefit from these targeted agents.

Conclusions:

  • The treatment of TNBC has evolved from non-specific chemotherapy to precision medicine based on molecular characteristics.
  • Targeted therapies offer new hope and improved outcomes for patients with this aggressive disease.
  • Continued research and clinical trial participation are essential for further progress in TNBC management.
Keywords:
AKT inhibitorPARP inhibitorPD-L1androgen receptor inhibitorantibody-drug conjugate

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer07:59

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Published on: September 8, 2023

1.3K
Quantifying Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity in a Tumor Spheroid Model: Application for Drug Discovery13:19

Quantifying Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity in a Tumor Spheroid Model: Application for Drug Discovery

Published on: April 26, 2024

3.1K

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.0K
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
7.2K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.2K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.4K
Cancer02:18

Cancer

Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
50.9K