Therapeutic targets in triple negative breast cancer - where are we now?

Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov. 2011 May;6(2):196-209. doi: 10.2174/157489211795328521.

Abstract

Triple negative breast cancers, defined by lack of expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2/EGFR2/ERBB2), are increasingly gaining attention for its intricate relationship with basal-like and BRCA1-linked breast carcinomas, and its lack of effective tailored therapies. Triple negative breast tumors usually account for 10-20% of all breast cancers in Asian populations, similarly in Caucasian populations (10-23%), but occur at much higher frequencies in individuals of African descent (20-47%). In addition, triple negative breast cancers are usually of high histological grade and are accompanied by aggressive clinical behavior with shorter time to recurrences and death, and preference for metastasis to the brain and lungs. In this report, we would like to review recent patents and the relationship between triple negative and basal-like breast cancers, as well as BRCA1-linked breast carcinomas. Specifically, potential treatment modalities and current innovations that are designed for the predictive and prognostic values of triple negative breast tumors will be discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • BRCA1 Protein / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Patents as Topic
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • BRCA1 Protein
  • BRCA1 protein, human