Quadruple-negative breast cancer: novel implications for a new disease

Breast Cancer Res. 2020 Nov 19;22(1):127. doi: 10.1186/s13058-020-01369-5.

Abstract

Based on the androgen receptor (AR) expression, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) can be subdivided into AR-positive TNBC and AR-negative TNBC, also known as quadruple-negative breast cancer (QNBC). QNBC characterization and treatment is fraught with many challenges. In QNBC, there is a greater paucity of prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets than AR-positive TNBC. Although the prognostic role of AR in TNBC remains controversial, many studies revealed that a lack of AR expression confers a more aggressive disease course. Literature characterizing QNBC tumor biology and uncovering novel biomarkers for improved management of the disease remains scarce. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the current QNBC landscape and propose avenues for future research, suggesting potential biomarkers and therapeutic strategies that warrant investigation.

Keywords: AR antagonists; Androgen receptor; Cancer biomarkers; Quadruple-negative breast cancer; Therapeutic targets; Triple-negative breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast / surgery
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / methods
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • Mastectomy
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy / methods
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / epidemiology*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / genetics
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / prevention & control
  • Prognosis
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / analysis
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / metabolism
  • Receptors, Androgen / analysis
  • Receptors, Androgen / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Estrogen / analysis
  • Receptors, Estrogen / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, Estrogen / metabolism
  • Receptors, Progesterone / analysis
  • Receptors, Progesterone / metabolism
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / mortality
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • AR protein, human
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Receptors, Androgen
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Receptors, Progesterone
  • ERBB2 protein, human
  • Receptor, ErbB-2