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Review
. 2018 Jun;25(Suppl 1):S142-S150.
doi: 10.3747/co.25.3954. Epub 2018 Jun 13.

Advances in the systemic treatment of triple-negative breast cancer

J M Lebert  1 , R Lester  1 , E Powell  1 , M Seal  1 , J McCarthy  1
Affiliations
Review

Advances in the systemic treatment of triple-negative breast cancer

J M Lebert et al. Curr Oncol. 2018 Jun.

Abstract

Triple-negative breast cancer constitutes a heterogeneous group of malignancies that are often aggressive and associated with a poor prognosis. Molecular characterization, while not a standard of care, can further subtype triple-negative breast cancer and provide insight into prognostication and behaviour. Optimal chemotherapy regimens have yet to be established; however, there have been advances in the systemic treatment of triple-negative breast cancer in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and metastatic settings. In this review, we discuss evidence for the potential benefit of neoadjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy, adjuvant combination chemotherapy with weekly paclitaxel, and BRCA mutation-directed therapy in the metastatic setting. The role for adjuvant capecitabine in patients who do not achieve a pathologic complete response with neoadjuvant chemotherapy is reviewed. Future directions and data concerning novel targeted agents are reviewed, including the most recent data on parp [poly (adp-ribose) polymerase] inhibitors, antiandrogen agents, and immunotherapy.

Keywords: Breast cancer; triple-negative breast cancer.

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