Triple negative breast cancer describes a specific type of breast cancer based on the absence of hormone and protein receptors. By looking at the receptor status, we can determine how aggressive the cancer may be and whether it may respond to certain drugs. Some breast cancers contain one to three specific receptors, or proteins, which are:
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2/neu)
Many therapies target these receptors to help control cancerous cell growth.
Some tumors do not contain any of these three receptors; they are called triple negative breast cancer. Triple negative breast cancer is more challenging to treat than other breast cancers because it does not respond to treatments that target specific receptors. Triple negative tumors can also be more aggressive, and tend to recur more often than other types of breast cancer. Fortunately, triple negative breast cancers can often respond well to chemotherapy.
Treatments for triple negative breast cancer
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for triple negative breast cancer, as is breast cancer surgery and radiation.
Researchers at the Lombardi Cancer Center are working on developing more effective treatment options for triple negative breast cancer. Our research enables our practitioners to offer you a full range of new therapies that have shown promise.
Our ability to provide patients access to clinical trials is one of the main reasons that so many women consistently choose the Ourisman Breast Health Center to treat breast cancer.
