Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
By Dr. Maithili Athavale
Breast Cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide1 and number one cancer in women2. In recent years the incidence rate of this cancer has increased due to a prevelance of unhealthy lifestyle.
What is Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)?
When the cells in the breast grow abnormally i.e. they grow out of control and form a lump or tumor it is called Breast cancer. TNBC is a type of Breast Cancer, which lacks three biomarkers estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR) and HER2 protein3. Why is it difficult to treat TNBC? TNBC is the most aggressive type of breast cancer growing & spreading faster than other types4. As this type of cancer lacks ER,PR and HER-2 receptors, the treatment designed to target these receptors such as Hormone therapy or HER-2 directed therapies, may not be effective in treating this type of breast cancer.
Who is at risk to develop TNBC?
TNBC is more common in women with certain genetic mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2 and in African- American Women.
How can one prevent Breast Cancer?
- Eating a healthy balanced diet with a lot of fruits, vegetables and probiotics and including some form of aerobic exercises is the first step to safeguard yourself from any type of cancer.
- Avoid smoking, drinking and maintain ideal weight.
- It has been shown that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast & ovarian cancer.
- Get regular mammograms done as early detection can help to treat cancer faster.
- Perform regular breast self-examination consult your Physician for any change in size and shape of breast. Any lump, swelling in breast, armpit, redness or pain in the breast or a nipple discharge is observed.
- If you have a family history of breast cancer, get screening for BRCA1,BRAC2 done.
References: 1) International Agency for Research in Cancer,World Health organization iarc.who.int/cancer-type/breast-cancer. 2) Understanding breast cancer as a global health concern,Louise Wilkinson,Toral Gathani,Br.j radiol,2021 . 3) Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treatment Options and Limitations:Future Outlook,Onyiechi Obidiro et al Pharmaceutics,2023 Jun23;15(7) pgs 1-26. 4) Understanding Breast Cancer Aggressiveness and its implications in Diagnosis & treatment.Nader Afifi,Carlos A Barrero J.Clin.Med Feb2023 pgs 1-3.
About Dr. Maithili Athavale
I hold a Doctorate in Applied Biology and have over 22 years of experience in Research and Development. My primary interests include drug discovery, the development of mammalian cell culture-based models, and high-throughput screening utilizing advanced techniques. I have authored numerous research publications and hold several granted patents. Currently, I am focused on anti-cancer drug discovery and identifying potential lead compounds.