[Triple-negative breast cancer: molecular characteristics and potential therapeutic approaches]

Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2013 Nov 26:67:1090-7. doi: 10.5604/17322693.1077713.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

The term triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) defines breast tumors that do not express estrogen receptors, progesterone receptor or epidermal growth factor receptor HER2 on immunohistochemical analysis. TNBC accounts for 12-17% of all types of breast cancer. Molecular profiling indicated that triple-negative breast cancer represents a heterogeneous subgroup of breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer shares histological and genetic abnormalities with basal-like subtype of breast cancer; however, this overlap is incomplete. Breast cancer found in BRCA1 mutation carriers is also frequently TNBC. Triple-negative breast cancer does not benefit from hormonal therapies or treatments targeted against HER2. The results of ongoing studies as well as the results of clinical trials suggest that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, EGFR, Hedgehog, Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, VEGF signaling inhibitors, and mTOR, Src, and Bcr/Abl kinase inhibitors used alone or in combination with other anticancer drugs might be effective in triple-negative breast cancer treatment. In this review, current knowledge on molecular characteristics of triple-negative breast cancer and its subtypes' treatment options is presented.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Hedgehog Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors
  • Receptors, Notch / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / genetics
  • beta Catenin / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors
  • Receptors, Notch
  • beta Catenin
  • BRAP protein, human
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor