Epidemiology, biology, and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer in women of African ancestry

Abstract

Breast cancer incidence is increasing worldwide, and breast cancer-related mortality is highest in women of African ancestry, who are more likely to have basal-like or triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) than are women of European ancestry. Identification of cultural, epidemiological, and genetic risk factors that predispose women of African ancestry to TNBC is an active area of research. Despite the aggressive behaviour of TNBC, achievement of a pathological complete response with chemotherapy is associated with good long-term survival outcomes, and sensitivity to chemotherapy does not seem to differ according to ethnic origin. Discovery of the molecular signalling molecules that define TNBC heterogeneity has led to the development of targeted agents such as inhibitors of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 and mTOR and immunomodulatory drugs that are in the early stages of clinical testing. First, we summarise the existing published work on the differences reported on the epidemiology, biology, and response to systemic treatment of TNBC between women of African ancestry and white women, and identify some gaps in knowledge. Second, we review the opportunities for development of new therapeutic agents in view of the potential high clinical relevance for patients with TNBC irrespective of race or ethnic origin.

Rate of Distant Metastases on 18F-FDG PET/CT at Initial Staging of Breast Cancer: Comparison of Women Younger and Older Than 40 Years

“…A literature review revealed higher rates of recurrence and reduced breast cancer-specific survival with TNBC (29-32) but no significant difference in terms of stage or lymph node positivity with other breast cancers at diagnosis (31). Regarding the rate of distant metastases at diagnosis, the literature data showed either higher or lower rates with TNBC than with breast cancers that were not TNBC (10,(33)(34)(35), but no study reported statistically significant lower rates. Further studies are needed to confirm the statistical significance of this relationship.…”

Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica Coated Prussian Blue for MR/PA Dual‐Modal Imaging‐Guided Photothermal‐Chemotherapy of Triple Negative Breast Cancer

“…Unlike other breast cancer subtypes, molecular targeted therapy is not suitable for TNBC and they normally receive systemic chemotherapy 3. However, many TNBC patient cases show poor response to the therapy and no alternative options are available for those who obtained an initial response or drug resistance 4, 5, 6, 7. Therefore, development of new therapeutic strategies against TNBC is urgently needed.…”

Conhecimento de mulheres sobre fatores relacionados ao câncer de mama

“…3,21 Segundo um estudo realizado no Estado do Espírito Santo, mulheres classificadas com cor da pele preta apresentam 2,5 vezes mais risco de desenvolverem câncer de mama do que as de cor branca e, no mesmo estudo, o risco foi de 1,5 vezes maior quando comparadas com as mulheres de cor parda. 22 Além disso, um estudo de coorte realizado em 239 hospitais do Brasil mostrou que mulheres com cor da pele diferente da branca apresentam maiores chances de atrasos no diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer de mama, sugerindo uma influência do fator étnico também no manejo do diagnóstico precoce.…”