How can a 62-year-old's triple-negative BC be treated?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am trying to make sense of my relative’s recent test results. It says she has something called triple-negative breast cancer. I have heard the name, but I am not sure how serious it is or what it really means. She is 62 years old, and I am wondering how bad this diagnosis is and what the next steps should be.

How do we go forward with treatment?
I know there are different types of breast cancer, and this one sounds a bit more complicated. I just want to make sure we are doing the right thing and get a sense of what to expect from here. What can we do to help her through this?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a more aggressive form of breast cancer that lacks three common receptors- estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). Because it does not have these receptors, it is not responsive to hormonal therapies. TNBC tends to grow and spread more quickly than other types of breast cancer. It has a higher risk of recurrence.

Treatments like hormone therapy and HER2-targeted therapy are not effective for TNBC, so chemotherapy is typically the primary treatment option.

Depending on the size and location of the tumor, surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy) will likely be necessary. Surgery may be followed by radiation therapy if the cancer is large or close to the chest wall.

Help her discuss all treatment options with her oncologist, including the possibility of clinical trials. Chemotherapy can be tough on the body, so providing emotional and practical support during treatment (like helping with appointments, meals, and medications) will be important.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.