Receiving a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) can be very upsetting. There is usually a lot of curiosity about what the diagnosis implies, what treatments are on offer, and what one can expect in the coming days. If you know what distinguishes TNBC from other kinds of breast cancer, you will be in a better position to make informed decisions when discussing your case with your healthcare team.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer that does not have three common receptors that fuel the growth of many other breast cancers:
Since TNBC lacks these receptors, it doesn’t respond to hormone therapies or to the HER2-targeted treatments used for other types of breast cancer. In such cases, treatment usually makes use of methods such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and other more recent treatments when suitable.
TNBC can occur in anybody, but it is more frequently diagnosed in younger women, especially those who are under 40. It also affects Black women more often than many other groups. Researchers are still investigating how genetics, inherited risk, environmental factors, and lifestyle factors may contribute to these differences.
RELATED: New Treatment Shows Promise for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer — And What It Means for Black Women
The symptoms of TNBC are the same as those of other kinds of breast cancer; although many people find a painless lump, the symptoms can differ. If you notice any of the following, get in touch with your healthcare provider:
The presence of one or more of these symptoms doesn’t indicate that you have breast cancer, but any new or unusual changes should be checked as soon as possible.
When breast cancer is suspected, your healthcare team could suggest some imaging tests and a biopsy. Your diagnosis will be based on three key factors:
The stage explains the extent of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread outside the breast; it is given a value from 0 to IV, higher numbers indicating a more advanced condition.
Grade: Describes how different the cancer cells look from normal cells. Higher-grade cancers often grow and spread more quickly.
The receptor status indicates whether or not the cancer cells have ER, PR, or HER2 receptors, and in the case of TNBC, all three receptors are missing.
Knowing your stage, grade, and receptor status will enable your healthcare team to put together a treatment plan that is tailored to your particular diagnosis.
The reasons why some people develop TNBC while others develop different types of breast cancer are still being studied. Many of the usual risk factors for breast cancer are more closely associated with hormone receptor-positive breast cancers than with TNBC.
A major difference is that Black women have a higher incidence of triple negative breast cancer. It has been shown that Black women are more likely to develop this type of cancer than white women, even when age and the stage at diagnosis are taken into account. For younger Black women who have breast cancer, the proportion of cases that are triple negative breast cancer is greater than that among non-Black women.
The reasons for this discrepancy are complicated. Scientists are looking at any possible links between genetics, inherited mutations, reproductive history, lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and social factors. Yet no one cause has been found.
Additional factors that may increase TNBC risk include:
TNBC is more frequent in younger women than in women with many of the other types of breast cancer.
Compared to some of the other types of breast cancer, TNBC has a greater chance of coming back after treatment, particularly in the first few years following diagnosis. When it does return, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or the brain.
Yet each individual’s experience of TNBC is different. Research and treatment methods are still advancing and this is leading to better results for many patients.
Since survival statistics are based on groups of people, they are not able to predict the outcome for any one individual; the prognosis depends on a number of factors such as:
Your medical team will be able to assist you in understanding what these factors mean in your case.
The usual course of treatment for TNBC depends on the size and stage of the cancer, whether or not it has spread, your general health, and your personal objectives.
Chemotherapy is still an important treatment for TNBC since it acts on the cancer cells that are dividing rapidly all over the body.
It may be given:
A pathologic complete response is seen in some patients, which means that after chemotherapy and before surgery no cancer cells can be found in the breast tissue. This type of response is generally associated with better outcomes.
Surgery is also an important aspect of treating TNBC. The available options may be:
High-energy beams are used in radiation therapy to get rid of any remaining cancer cells following surgery; it is generally suggested after a lumpectomy and, in some cases, may be advised after a mastectomy according to the features of the cancer.
When breast cancer from TNBC spreads beyond the breast, treatment is aimed at controlling the disease, managing the symptoms, and maintaining the patient’s quality of life. This might involve the use of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and taking part in clinical trials.
Research is still progressing in order to expand the range of treatments available for TNBC. Among the advances are immunotherapy, antibody-drug conjugates, PARP inhibitors for patients who are eligible and have certain genetic mutations, and other targeted therapies.
Clinical trials are important for discovering new treatments since they examine new drugs, combined treatments, and different methods of supportive care. The trials may also look into areas including nutrition, exercise, and quality of life.
If you want to take part in a clinical trial, you should discuss with your healthcare team whether or not you meet the criteria for entry. Joining the trial is entirely voluntary, and in some cases it may give you access to treatments that show promise before they become generally available.
Each diagnosis of TNBC is unique, and your treatment plan should take into account not just the features of your cancer but also your own personal goals, values, and preferences.
By working closely with your healthcare team, sticking to the treatment plan that has been recommended for you, remaining physically active as far as is possible, eating a balanced diet, and keeping to healthy habits, you can help to support your general well-being both during and after treatment.
Even though being diagnosed with TNBC can be difficult, ongoing research and improvements in treatment are giving more options and a new kind of hope to those who have the disease.
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
