Targeting the androgen receptor in triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a relatively new term first published in 2005,1 is used to describe a subset of breast cancers characterized by the absence of expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), and human epidermal growth factor (HER2) protein. TNBC represents approximately 15%-20 % of all newly diagnosed breast cancers, but accounts for a disproportionate number of breast cancer-related deaths each year making up 5% of all cancer deaths annually.2,3 Owing to the lack of receptors, patients with TNBC do not benefit from generally well-tolerated and effective therapies targeting the ER and HER2 and often experience a more aggressive clinical course with increased risk of disease progression and poorer overall survival.
Source: Current Problems in Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Source Type: research