Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer.

TNBC accounts for about 10-20% of all breast cancers and tends to occur commonly in younger women and those with a family history of the disease. 

Unlike other types of invasive breast cancer, TNBC is typically more aggressive, has limited treatment options, and often has a poorer prognosis. 

Since it spreads faster, early detection and treatment is crucial. 

Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. 

This treatment tends to be more aggressive and less responsive to hormonal and targeted therapies.

Ongoing research focuses on developing more effective treatments for this challenging subtype of breast cancer.

Signs & symptoms

Breast Pain
Breast Pain

The symptoms of triple-negative breast cancer are similar to those experienced by all breast cancer patients.

A lump is a standard indicator, which may be painless, hard, and irregular.

But can also be painful, soft, and round. Other indications may include the following:

  • Breast swelling
  • Skin dimpling, sometimes reminiscent of an orange peel
  • Discharge from a nipple
  • Lump on the collarbone or under the arm
  • Inward-turned nipple
  • Skin changes on the breast or nipple, including dryness, redness, flaking, or thickening

Stages of Triple negative breast cancer

Breast cancer is typically categorized into stages ranging from zero to four. Higher numbers indicate more advanced and invasive cancer. 

The stages of TNBC are as follows:

  • Stage 0: This is also known as Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), which means that abnormal cells are found in the lining of the breast ducts but have not spread to nearby tissue
  • Stage I: The tumor is less than 2 cm in size and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes
  • Stage II: The tumor is between 2-5 cm in size and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes, or the tumor is smaller than 2 cm but has spread to nearby lymph nodes
  • Stage III: The tumor is larger than 5 cm and has spread to nearby lymph nodes or has grown into the chest wall or skin
  • Stage IV: Cancer has spread to other body parts, such as the bones, liver, or lungs

It’s important to note that the stage of TNBC can influence treatment options and prognosis. 

Triple-negative breast cancer treatment

Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy

Treatment for triple-negative breast cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Hormone therapy and targeted therapy, which are effective for other types of breast cancer, are ineffective for triple-negative breast cancer due to the absence of hormone receptors and HER2 protein.

Surgery to remove the tumor is often recommended for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer.

In some cases, chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove. 

After surgery, chemotherapy may be given to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Radiation therapy may also be recommended after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Good to know:
Treatment options for advanced-stage or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer include chemotherapy, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy.

Platinum-based chemotherapy is often used to treat advanced-stage triple-negative breast cancer.

In some cases, PARP inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and immunotherapy with chemotherapy may also be used.

PARP inhibitors are a cancer drug class that targets specific molecules in cancer cells. 

They are currently used as a treatment option for certain types of ovarian cancer, and ongoing clinical trials are exploring their potential use for treating other types of cancer.

It’s essential to work with a healthcare team to develop an individualized treatment plan based on the specific characteristics of cancer and individual factors such as age and overall health.

Risk factors for Triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer is a subtype of breast cancer that is negative for Estrogen receptor (ER), Progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). 

The risk factors for TNBC are not fully understood, but some factors that may increase the risk of developing TNBC include:

  • Age: TNBC tends to occur younger than other breast cancer types.
  • Family history: A family history of breast or ovarian cancer may increase the risk of TNBC.
  • BRCA1 mutation: Women with a mutation in the BRCA1 gene have a higher risk of developing TNBC.
  • Obesity: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of TNBC.
  • Reproductive factors: Women with their first menstrual cycle at early or late menopause have a higher risk of TNBC.
  • Pregnancy: Women who have never been pregnant or had their first pregnancy after age 30 have a higher risk of TNBC.

It is important to note that having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean a person will develop TNBC. 

Regular breast cancer screening and early detection can help improve outcomes for people with TNBC.

TNBC survival rate & prognosis

Localized triple-negative breast cancer that has not spread beyond the breast has a five-year relative survival rate of 91%.

This means the patient is 91% as likely as someone without cancer to survive during that time. 

Warning
It’s necessary to note that survival rates are based on past data and do not consider factors such as patient age and overall health, nor do they differentiate between different stages of cancer.

These statistics are collected and recorded in the SEER database by the NCI, but as research and cancer treatment continues to evolve, the patient outlook may improve.

Conclusion

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive form of cancer that lacks the three receptors commonly used to guide treatment for other types of breast cancer. 

TNBC tends to occur in younger women. 

Due to its aggressive nature, TNBC has a poorer prognosis than other types of breast cancer, and it often requires a different approach to treatments like hormones and targeted therapy. 

However, ongoing research continues to explore new treatments and improve outcomes for women with TNBC.

Recommended Article:
Read Breast Cancer Treatment: Options at Different Stages to learn about various Breast Cancer treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is triple-negative breast cancer?

Triple-negative breast cancer is a subtype of breast cancer that lacks three specific receptors often found in other types of breast cancer, making it more aggressive and challenging to treat.

What causes triple-negative breast cancer?

The exact causes of triple-negative breast cancer are not fully understood. However, researchers have identified some risk factors, such as family history of breast cancer, BRCA1 gene mutations, obesity, and certain reproductive factors. Additionally, triple-negative breast cancer may be more common in younger women.

Can you be cured from triple-negative breast cancer?

Treatment for triple-negative breast cancer typically involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. It can be more aggressive and harder to treat than other types of breast cancer. Women with triple-negative breast cancer can be cured with appropriate treatment. However, the prognosis varies depending on the cancer stage and other factors. 

What is the survival rate of triple-negative breast cancer?

The survival rate for triple-negative breast cancer varies depending on the stage at diagnosis. For localized cancer, the five-year relative survival rate is 91 percent. 

Is there hope for triple-negative breast cancer?

It is a more aggressive form of breast cancer; advancements in research and treatment options like hormone therapy and targeted therapy are continually being made to improve outcomes and survival rates for women with this subtype of breast cancer. 

Citations:
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