Among all breast cancers, one in particular is getting a lot of attention: triple negative breast cancer.

It is characterized by a absence of expression of three receptors : estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (BY) and the receivers HER2. This implies that the cancer will not be susceptible to hormonal therapies or therapies that target HER2, which limits therapeutic options. Triple-negative breast cancer affects between 10 and 15% of patients with breast cancer and is very early: it occurs almost ten years before other types of cancers related to this organ.

What are the risk factors for triple-negative cancer?

Among the risk factors for triple negative breast cancer, we mainly find family factors which are relatively important. Pre-menopausal obesity and overweight, low levels of physical activity, alcohol consumption, and prolonged use of oral contraceptives should also be taken into account.

This cancer is considered to be one of the forms of breast cancer The most aggressive and therefore with a less favorable prognosis. On the one hand, because it tends to develop more quickly than other types of breast cancer. On the other hand, the probability that it will become metastatic, that is, it spreads to other parts of the body, is higher. In order to find a reliable and viable treatment, numerous research groups have looked at the subject.

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What are the treatments for localized triple-negative breast cancer?.

Today, 90% of women with triple negative breast cancer are diagnosed at a Localized stadium, which is when cancer cells are located only in the breast. Patients are then usually treated with surgery to remove the tumor. Surgery may consist of a partial resection (called lumpectomy) or total (mastectomy) of the breast.

Upstream, as a neoadjuvant, treatment with chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy may be proposed. Downstream, as an adjunct, treatment with chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy and radiation therapy after surgery can be put in place to eradicate residual cancer cells in order to reduce the risk of relapse.

The drugs most often used in chemotherapy are Paclitaxel (Taxol®) and Carboplatin, which are administered intravenously as well as EC combinations (Epirubicin/Cyclophosphamide) and AC (Adriamycin/Cyclophosphamide).

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What are the treatments for metastatic triple negative breast cancer?.

In the case where the cancer has become metastatic, several treatments are available such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy... New therapeutic options such as conjugated antibody-drugs (ADCs) can also be used: Sacituzumab-Govitecan (Trodelvy®)...

Whether the cancer is localized or metastatic, clinical trials can also be offered to patients in order to allow them to benefit from innovative treatments. To access all trials for triple negative breast cancer, you can log on to the Klineo platform.

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For more information on triple negative breast cancer, you can consult the patients' association website, the Collective Triplettes Roses.

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Sources: Collective Triplettes Roses, HAS, François Baclesse Center