Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a lump or mass. Various types of breast cancer exist, each depending on which cells within the breast turn cancerous. Normal breast cells have hormone receptors that respond to estrogen and progesterone, enabling growth or regression based on hormone levels. However, not all breast cancer cells have these receptors. Nearly two-thirds of breast cancers are “hormone receptor-positive,” meaning they contain these receptors, allowing targeted treatments to help manage the disease.
HER2-positive breast cancer, characterized by an overproduction of HER2 protein (a molecule that helps cells grow), responds to specific treatments that target HER2. However, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it more aggressive and harder to treat than other forms of breast cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer:
Symptoms of TNBC may include:
- A new lump or mass in the breast
- Swelling of part or the entire breast (even if no lump is felt)
- Skin dimpling or puckering (sometimes resembling an orange peel)
- Pain in the breast or nipple
- Inward-turning of the nipple (nipple retraction)
- Red, dry, flaking, or thickened skin on the nipple or breast
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
- Swollen lymph nodes near the collarbone or under the arm (indicating potential spread of cancer before the lump becomes large enough to detect)
Note: Many of these symptoms can also arise from non-cancerous breast conditions. Nonetheless, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation if you notice any changes in your breasts.
- Treatment Options for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer:
Triple-negative breast cancer treatments aim to stop cancer cells from growing and spreading. Common treatment approaches include: - Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to target and destroy cancer cells. In TNBC, chemotherapy may be given before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink the tumor or after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Surgery: Depending on the size and location of the tumor, surgeons may perform a lumpectomy (removal of the tumor) or mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). Lymph nodes are often removed to check if cancer has spread.
Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is used to destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery, reducing the likelihood of recurrence. - Targeted Therapy: Although TNBC does not respond to hormone or HER2-targeted therapies, new medications like poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have shown promise. These drugs help treat cancers in people with mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
- Immunotherapy: Drugs such as Atezolizumab and Sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy) are gaining traction in TNBC treatment. Trodelvy is an antibody-drug conjugate, combining an antibody that binds to cancer cells with a chemotherapy drug to deliver targeted treatment.
Data on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in India:
In India, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer among women, accounting for 27% of all female cancers. According to recent data from the National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP), TNBC comprises 15-20% of all breast cancer cases in Indian women, and the average age at diagnosis is between 45 and 55 years; significantly younger than in Western populations.
Indian studies reveal that TNBC is more prevalent among premenopausal women, and it tends to be more aggressive, with a higher likelihood of recurrence. Additionally, a higher proportion of Indian women diagnosed with TNBC are in the advanced stages of the disease, contributing to lower survival rates.
Globally, about 10-15% of all breast cancers are TNBC. While TNBC is challenging to treat due to the lack of specific hormone targets, research into new therapies continues to advance, offering hope for improved outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that does not have estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 receptors. This makes it more challenging to treat, as it does not respond to hormonal or HER2-targeted therapies.
How is TNBC different from other breast cancers?
TNBC is more aggressive than other breast cancers, grows faster, and is more likely to recur after treatment. Unlike hormone receptor-positive or HER2-positive breast cancers, TNBC lacks targeted treatments, limiting the options for patients.
Can TNBC be cured?
While TNBC can be treated effectively if diagnosed early, it is more likely to spread or recur compared to other types of breast cancer. Treatment usually involves chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, with newer therapies like immunotherapy showing promising results.
What are the risk factors for developing TNBC?
Risk factors for TNBC include being younger than 50, being of African or Indian descent, having a family history of breast cancer, and having mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
What is the latest treatment for TNBC?
In addition to chemotherapy, new treatment options include PARP inhibitors (for patients with BRCA mutations) and immunotherapy drugs like Atezolizumab and Trodelvy, which show promise in improving outcomes for TNBC patients.
Where can I buy Trodelvy in India?
You can buy Trodelvy in India through authorized pharmaceutical supplier Indian Pharma Network (IPN), which provides access to Trodelvy for patients in India. To inquire about availability and pricing, you can contact IPN via Call/WhatsApp: +91 9310090915.
