Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that does not respond to the hormones estrogen and progesterone, or to the protein HER2. It is an aggressive form of cancer that is more likely to spread to other parts of the body than other types of breast cancer.
Fortunately, new treatments for TNBC are showing promise. Researchers are exploring a variety of treatments, including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and combination therapies.
Targeted therapies are drugs that target specific molecules in cancer cells. These drugs can block the growth and spread of cancer cells. For example, PARP inhibitors are drugs that target a protein called poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP). PARP inhibitors can help stop cancer cells from repairing themselves, which can lead to their death.
Immunotherapies are treatments that use the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. These treatments can help the body recognize and attack cancer cells. For example, checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that block proteins on cancer cells that can prevent the body’s immune system from recognizing and attacking them.
Combination therapies are treatments that use two or more drugs or treatments at the same time. These treatments can be more effective than using a single drug or treatment. For example, a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy may be more effective than either treatment alone.
These new treatments for TNBC are showing promise in clinical trials. However, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness and safety.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with TNBC, talk to your doctor about the latest treatments and clinical trials. With the right treatment, you can have a better chance of beating this aggressive form of cancer.