Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that can become challenging in terms of both diagnosis and treatment. In comparison to other forms of breast cancer, TNBC lacks three crucial receptors, namely the estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu). Since these receptors are also used for breast cancer treatment, the absence of these receptor targets makes TNBC more aggressive and limits the treatment options. Therefore, new treatment approaches and diagnostic approaches are needed.
The diagnosis of TNBC typically involves a combination of techniques such as mammography, ultrasound, biopsy, and immunohistochemistry. The absence of ER, PR, and HER2/neu receptors is especially confirmed through immunohistochemical tests which allow the distinguishment of TNBC from other breast cancer subtypes. However, precise diagnosis is not trivial as TNBC shares symptoms with other breast cancers as well.
TNBC accounts for approximately 15-20% of all breast cancer cases worldwide and seems to occur primarily in younger women. TNBC's aggressive nature is attributed to its high proliferation rate and genetic instability, resulting in increased tumor mass and size. Due to the absence of hormone receptors and HER2 amplification, TNBC is resistant to targeted therapies used for other breast cancer types reflected by the low efficacy of conventional anti-cancer drugs.
TNBC treatment is primarily based on surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. While specific molecular targets related to the lacking receptors are not an option, targeted therapies like hormone therapy and HER2-targeted drugs show almost no efficacy. This limitation underscores why new innovative treatment approaches are very much needed.
Current TNBC research has its focuses on understanding the underlying cancer biology and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Advances in genomics have helped to reveal the heterogeneity of TNBC and paved the way for precision medicine approaches. Oncology researchers are exploring immunotherapies, PARP inhibitors, and novel drug combinations to improve TNBC treatment outcomes in the future.
Triple Negative Breast Cancer remains a threat due to its aggressive nature, lack of targeted therapies, and higher risk among certain populations as well as poor disease outcomes. Early detection and novel personalized treatment approaches are key to improving the outcomes for TNBC patients, but research is still ongoing. Central BioHub is filling this gap by supplying researchers worldwide with TNBC human tissue samples that can vastly be utilized in development studies. All biospecimens are previously tested for multiple parameters and undergo extensive quality control. Start your journey now and help fight Triple Negative Breast Cancer by learning more at
https://centralbiohub.de/biospecimens/cancer-samples/triple-negative-breast-cancer
