Insights Into Molecular Classifications of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Improving Patient Selection for Treatment
Published OnlineFirst January 24, 2019; DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-18-1177 REVIEW Insights into Molecular Classifications of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Improving Patient Selection for Treatment Ana C. Garrido-Castro1,2, Nancy U. Lin1,2, and Kornelia Polyak1,2 ABSTRACT Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the most challenging breast cancer subtype to treat. To date, therapies directed to specific molecular targets have rarely achieved clinically meaningful improvements in outcomes of patients with TNBC, and chemo- therapy remains the standard of care. Here, we seek to review the most recent efforts to classify TNBC based on the comprehensive profiling of tumors for cellular composition and molecular features. Technologic advances allow for tumor characterization at ever-increasing depth, generating data that, if integrated with clinical–pathologic features, may help improve risk stratification of patients, guide treatment decisions and surveillance, and help identify new targets for drug development. Significance: TNBC is characterized by higher rates of relapse, greater metastatic potential, and shorter overall survival compared with other major breast cancer subtypes. The identification of biomarkers that can help guide treatment decisions in TNBC remains a clinically unmet need. Under- standing the mechanisms that drive resistance is key to the design of novel therapeutic strategies to help prevent the development of metastatic disease and, ultimately, to improve survival in this patient population. INTRODUCTION with TNBC, and chemotherapy remains the standard of care. Although many patients with early stages of TNBC are cured Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer with chemotherapy, in those who develop metastatic disease, and the second most common cause of cancer mortality in median overall survival (OS) with current treatment options women worldwide (1).
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