Recurrence of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Prognosis and Therapeutic Strategies
In the ongoing fight against breast cancer, a particular subtype known as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) stands out for its aggressive nature and higher likelihood of spreading or recurrence. Here's what you need to know about TNBC, its diagnosis, treatment, and survival rates.
While it's impossible to prevent breast cancer, individuals can reduce their risk by maintaining a moderate weight, reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption, being physically active, avoiding or stopping smoking, and having regular mammograms. For those assigned female at birth (FAAB), the American Cancer Society recommends women aged 45-54 have annual mammograms, with the option to start earlier for those in their 40s.
TNBC is more difficult to treat than other types of breast cancer and has high recurrence and metastasis rates. The condition accounts for about 15% of breast cancer diagnoses in the United States from 2012-2018. People who are more likely to develop TNBC include premenopausal people, Hispanic people, individuals who use hormonal birth control or have hormonal replacement therapy, and those who had an infant. African Americans are more likely to get TNBC compared to their white counterparts, with genetics and healthcare inequities suspected to play a role.
The 5-year survival rates for TNBC vary significantly by stage and are generally lower than for many other breast cancer types. According to the 2020 SEER database data, the 5-year survival rates for TNBC are: localized (91-92%), regional (66-67%), distant (metastatic) (12-15%), and total (77%). Early diagnosis, regular mammograms, and self-exams are crucial for successful treatment of TNBC, as the condition is easier to treat if found in its early stages, leading to a better outlook.
In comparison, hormone receptor-positive or HER2-positive breast cancers typically show higher survival rates at each stage due to available targeted treatments. For example, localized hormone receptor-positive breast cancers often have 5-year survival rates above 90-95%.
Recent therapeutic advances, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy, have begun improving outcomes in early-stage TNBC, but the prognosis remains more challenging compared to other breast cancer types. Hormone therapies are not effective in treating TNBC. Instead, doctors use a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, and emerging therapies like antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), which includes medications such as sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy) and trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu).
A varied treatment protocol, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, can lead to the best outcomes for people with TNBC. In addition, the Bezzy Breast Cancer app provides access to an online breast cancer community, where users can connect with others and gain advice and support through group discussions.
It's essential to remember that cancer survival rates have some limitations, such as not accounting for the quality of life during and after treatment. If cancer recurs, the mortality rate within 3 months after the recurrence is as high as 50%. Studies suggest that about 60% of recurrences happen within 3 years of diagnosis, and most occur within 5 years. However, if the cancer does not recur within 5 years after the initial diagnosis, the rate of recurrence goes down to less than 10%.
In summary, TNBC is a challenging form of breast cancer, but advances in treatment and ongoing research offer hope for improved outcomes. Patients should consult their oncologists for personalized prognosis based on their specific cancer characteristics and the latest therapeutic options.
[1] American Cancer Society. (2022). Breast Cancer Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/breast-cancer-statistics.html [2] National Cancer Institute. (2022). Survival Rates for Breast Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/survival-rates-fact-sheet [3] National Cancer Institute. (2022). SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Female Breast Cancer. Retrieved from https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast.html [4] National Cancer Institute. (2022). Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/triple-negative-breast-treatment-pdq [5] National Cancer Institute. (2022). Advances in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/advances-in-triple-negative-breast-cancer-research-and-treatment
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that has a higher likelihood of spreading or recurrence, making it more aggressive and difficult to treat compared to other types.
- The American Cancer Society recommends women assigned female at birth (FAAB) aged 45-54 to have annual mammograms, and the option to start from their 40s can be considered.
- TNBC accounts for about 15% of breast cancer diagnoses in the United States from 2012-2018, and people more likely to develop it include premenopausal people, Hispanic people, individuals who use hormonal birth control or have hormonal replacement therapy, and those who had an infant.
- African Americans are more likely to get TNBC compared to their white counterparts, with genetics and healthcare inequities suspected to play a role.
- Early diagnosis, regular mammograms, and self-exams are crucial for successful treatment of TNBC, and the condition is easier to treat if found in its early stages.
- Hormone receptor-positive or HER2-positive breast cancers typically show higher survival rates at each stage due to available targeted treatments.
- Recent therapeutic advances in TNBC treatment, such as neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy, are improving outcomes in early-stage TNBC, but the prognosis remains more challenging compared to other breast cancer types.
- Hormone therapies are not effective in treating TNBC. Instead, doctors use a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, and emerging therapies like antibody-drug conjugate (ADC).
- A varied treatment protocol and support from resources like the Bezzy Breast Cancer app can lead to the best outcomes for people with TNBC, with patients being advised to consult their oncologists for personalized prognosis based on their specific cancer characteristics and the latest therapeutic options.
