Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Recurrence in Triple-Positive Breast Cancer (ER+/PR+/HER2+) and Potential Repurposing
Cindy Bandala1, José Anselmo López-Méndez2, María R J Díaz-Rivera2
1Laboratorio de Medicina Traslacional, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Salvador Diaz Mirón s/n, Casco de Santo Tomás, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City 11340, Mexico.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Triple-positive breast cancer (TPBC) management is challenging due to resistance. Drug repurposing and multi-target inhibitors show promise for improving outcomes in TPBC patients, but require further validation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Triple-positive breast cancer (TPBC) overexpresses estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2, posing therapeutic challenges.
- TPBC patients frequently face recurrence and poor outcomes due to treatment resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current TPBC therapies and limitations.
- To explore molecular mechanisms of resistance and recurrence in TPBC.
- To investigate drug repurposing opportunities, focusing on multi-target inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current therapeutic approaches and resistance mechanisms.
- Analysis of drug repurposing strategies using in silico, in vitro, and clinical data.
- Emphasis on receptor pathway interactions and predictive biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Current therapies for TPBC have limitations, with frequent recurrence due to resistance.
- Drug repurposing, particularly with multi-target inhibitors, presents a promising avenue.
- Interactions between hormone and growth factor receptor pathways are key to resistance.
Conclusions:
- Drug repurposing and multi-target strategies offer a strong rationale for novel TPBC therapeutics.
- Further clinical studies are essential to validate the utility of these approaches in reducing recurrence.
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