Breast cancer is not the same for everyone. It affects people differently, and that can be in part due to what type of breast cancer it is. There are two main categories of breast cancer: in situ and invasive. In situ breast cancer indicates that the cancer is isolated to the milk ducts and not the surrounding breast tissue. However, invasive breast cancer indicates that the cancer has spread from the milk ducts and grown into the rest of the breast tissue. Under these two categories are more types of breast cancer, like a special type of invasive breast cancer, called triple-negative breast cancer.
Background Science for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer is different from other invasive cancers, as it is very aggressive. Typically, this cancer has worse potential outcomes, less treatment options, and grows and spreads faster. The science behind this cancer is complex, but can be simplified with an analogy, explained later. Triple-negative breast cancer does not have any of the three receptors that are typically found in breast cancer. Cell receptors are proteins found on the surface of cells that can receive “messages” from hormones and other substances in the blood. Once these receptors receive a message, the cell can then perform a certain task.
These three receptors are for:
the hormone estrogen
the hormone progesterone,
the protein human epidermal growth factor (HER2)
Cancer can have any combination of these three receptors; if the cancer has at least one of these receptors, hormone therapy or drugs can be used to destroy the cancer cells. However, triple-negative breast cancer has none of the three receptors, hence the name “triple-negative”. Since this type of cancer has none of the named receptors, it is much harder to treat successfully.
Simple Analogy
The analogy used by the CDC for triple-negative breast cancer involves a house, three locks, and keys. Picture a cancer cell as a house. Now imagine the three receptors on the cell as locks to the front of the house. Finally, treatments that will kill the cancer cell would be the keys to the three locks on the house. So the big picture is that the drugs or hormone therapies will “unlock” the house, so the cell itself can be destroyed by the treatments used.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer are limited because the cells don’t have receptors for estrogen, progesterone, or HER2. As a result, typical drugs and hormone therapies will likely have no effect on these cancer cells. The most often treatment used in this case is chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, or a combination of the three.
Chemotherapy:
Can shrink the tumor if it is local, meaning the cancer is contained within the breast.
When it is performed before surgery, it is known as a type of neoadjuvant therapy (explained more in-depth within another blog article here on the CARE website!)
Often used after any surgery to prevent the tumor from regrowing.
Surgery:
can then be performed to remove the shrunken tumor
Radiation therapy:
Can also be an option, depending on the characteristics of the cancer itself.
Chemotherapy can shrink the tumor if it is local, meaning the cancer is contained within the breast.
Surgery can then be performed to remove the shrunken tumor.
Chemotherapy, when it is performed before surgery, is known as a type of neoadjuvant therapy, which is explained more in-depth within another blog article here on the CARE website.
Chemotherapy is also often used after any surgery to prevent the tumor from regrowing.
Radiation therapy can also be an option, depending on the characteristics of the cancer itself.
Detection and Diagnosis
Triple-negative breast cancer has all of the symptoms as “typical” breast cancer and is diagnosed through routine imaging tests and a subsequent biopsy. Regular mammograms and self-examinations can detect cancer early, and should occur as directed by a physician. Even though survival rates for this type of cancer are lower than others, aggressive treatments can yield successful results and can limit the cancer from reappearing. As always, consult with a physician for concerns and questions that may arise, and remember to attend yearly checkups to ensure everything is functioning properly!
**Disclaimer: The Team at CARE does its best to provide you with accurate information but have to emphasize that we are not experts. Please consult your doctor/specialist to see what is best for you!
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