Transarterial infusion chemotherapy combined with microwave ablation for inoperable triple-negative breast cancer: a...

Early-stage triple-negative breast cancer is predominantly managed with multidisciplinary perioperative treatment strategies. However, the optimal therapeutic approach for elderly patients who are unsuitable for surgical resection and unable to tolerate systemic chemotherapy remains to be fully elucidated.

We report the case of a patient diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer who, following multidisciplinary team (MDT) evaluation, was considered unsuitable for surgical resection and unable to tolerate systemic chemotherapy. A locoregional treatment strategy was adopted. The patient received transarterial infusion chemotherapy with docetaxel (60 mg) and cisplatin (60 mg), followed two weeks later by ultrasound-guided microwave ablation of the breast lesion. Given the aggressive biological characteristics of triple-negative breast cancer, the large tumor size, and the use of local treatment, adjuvant local radiotherapy combined with oral capecitabine was administered for 6 months. Breast ultrasonography performed 3 months later demonstrated a marked reduction in lesion size (2.9 × 1.5 cm). After more than 3 years of follow-up, the patient maintained a partial response according to RECIST version 1.1 criteria, with the residual lesion measuring 2.4 cm and exhibiting well-defined margins.

This case provides a potential alternative therapeutic option for patients with triple-negative breast cancer who are unsuitable for surgery and unable to tolerate systemic chemotherapy.