Management of triple negative breast cancer in a centenarian

Cancer Rep (Hoboken). 2022 Sep;5(9):e1642. doi: 10.1002/cnr2.1642. Epub 2022 Jun 2.

Abstract

Background: There is limited clinical data to guide treatment for elderly patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In the case of centenarians, there is almost no data for this age group. The diagnosis of TNBC portends a more challenging clinical course compared to hormone receptor positive breast cancers, especially in elderly patients.

Case: We present the case of a 102-year-old patient who was diagnosed with TNBC. Although our initial plan was observation, the tumor growth rate and the pain it caused resulted in us offering a right total mastectomy and a left partial mastectomy.

Conclusion: Morbidity and mortality are higher in TNBC patients, and treatments are more limited, especially in elderly patients who may not be able to tolerate chemotherapy or surgery. As a result, management of breast cancer in elderly patients is largely individualized and treatment is generally more conservative. Focusing on quality of life is a key consideration when treating this patient population.

Keywords: advanced age; centenarian; elderly; triple-negative breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Centenarians
  • Humans
  • Mastectomy
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Quality of Life
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / therapy