Triple Negative Breast Cancer is a rare type of breast cancer which according to Cleveland Clinic accounts for 15% of all invasive breast cancer cases. As we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke to Dr Viju Murthy, Consultant- Breast Surgical Oncology, HCG Centre, Mumbai to learn more about this rare cancer. Scroll down to learn more.
What Is Triple Negative Breast Cancer?
Dr Viju Murthy said that Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a less common but significant subtype of breast cancer. This form occurs when the cancer cells lack estrogen and progesterone receptors and do not express the HER2 protein, making it distinct from other breast cancer types. Dr Murthy added that understanding TNBC is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
7 Must-Know Facts About Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Here are the facts about Triple Negative Breast Cancer:
Prevalence
Dr Murthy highlights that TNBC accounts for 10-15% of breast cancer cases in Western countries. However, studies indicate a much higher prevalence in India, potentially reaching up to 24.04%. According to GLOBOCAN data from 2018, India reported 162,468 new cases and 87,090 deaths due to this aggressive disease, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and education.
At-Risk Populations
Dr Murthy emphasised that certain demographics are at a higher risk for developing TNBC. These include premenopausal women under 50 years of age, women with BRCA1 mutations (responsible for 70% of hereditary breast cancer cases), and Black or African American women, who are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with TNBC.
Diagnosis
Dr Murthy said that a significant number of TNBC cases (approximately 80-90%) are diagnosed at Stages I, II, or III when treatment can be potentially curative. Patients often present with symptoms like breast lumps, skin or nipple changes, or abnormal findings on a mammogram. A biopsy is performed to confirm the presence of invasive cancer and its triple-negative status.
Treatment Challenges
Dr Murthy shared that the treatment landscape for TNBC is complicated because it lacks the hormone receptors that are common targets in other breast cancer types. This absence necessitates the exploration of alternative treatment strategies, as standard therapies may not be effective.
Treatment Approaches
Dr Murthy highlights that treatment for TNBC varies based on the cancer stage at diagnosis. For Stage I patients, surgery followed by chemotherapy is standard. Those diagnosed at Stage II or III usually undergo a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, followed by surgery and possibly radiation. Most patients also receive additional immunotherapy for six months post-surgery.
Survival Rates
Survival rates for TNBC depend on various factors, including the extent of cancer spread, the tumour's response to treatment, and the patient's overall health. Dr Murthy said that for newly diagnosed patients with metastatic TNBC, the average survival is around 1.5 to 2 years, though advancements in treatments could improve these outcomes. Patients with earlier-stage disease who respond well to therapy generally have a more favourable prognosis.
Research And Advancements
Dr Murthy highlights that ongoing research is focused on improving TNBC treatment options. Current studies are exploring the effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy, targeted therapies such as PARP inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates, and combinations of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. These advancements hold promise for enhancing treatment outcomes for TNBC patients.
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Keep these key facts about Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in mind.
Image Courtesy: Freepik
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