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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Emerging Therapies and a Changing Treatment Landscape
Maeve A Hennessy1, Elizabeth Terman2, Damé Idossa3
1Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the lack of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpression. Historically, treatment options for TNBC have been limited, because of the absence of actionable targets. The addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors to chemotherapy improved outcomes for a subset of patients with metastatic PD-L1-positive disease; however, a critical need for more effective therapies remains. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have been a promising advance in the management of advanced TNBC and are reshaping the landscape as they move earlier into the treatment algorithm. A greater understanding of the molecular heterogeneity of TNBC has enabled the pursuit of more targeted and personalized therapeutic strategies. Despite this, TNBC continues to have the least favorable outcomes compared with other breast cancer subtypes. This review highlights current evidence and future challenges in advanced TNBC, including optimizing therapeutic sequencing and the ongoing need for predictive biomarkers and novel agents.
Insights
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatments are evolving with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Further research is needed for novel agents and biomarkers to improve outcomes for this aggressive cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks ER, PR, and HER2 targets, limiting treatment options.
- Existing therapies like chemotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors benefit only a subset of patients.
- TNBC has poorer outcomes compared to other breast cancer subtypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence and future challenges in advanced TNBC treatment.
- To highlight the role of novel therapeutic strategies, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
- To emphasize the need for predictive biomarkers and optimized treatment sequencing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current evidence in advanced TNBC.
- Analysis of the impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors and ADCs.
- Discussion of molecular heterogeneity and personalized therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors offer benefits for PD-L1-positive metastatic TNBC.
- ADCs represent a promising advance, moving into earlier treatment stages.
- Despite progress, TNBC remains challenging with unfavorable outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Advanced TNBC requires more effective therapies beyond current options.
- Optimizing therapeutic sequencing and developing predictive biomarkers are crucial.
- Novel agents are essential to address the unmet needs in TNBC management.
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