News on triple-negative breast cancer?
Meet the Experts
Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer, dedicated to developing programs that improve the well-being of women treated for breast cancer.
Question from Laurie B.: Is there anything new on the triple-negative front?
- Answer —Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.:
So called triple-negative breast cancers are negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2. These tumors are sometimes referred to as basal-type tumors. It actually appears that not all triple-negative tumors are the same. There may be several types of triple-negative tumors, or at least 2 types. We are still in the process of defining the "personality" of these tumors. At this point, there are no specific recommendations, other than being quite aggressive with this type of cancer when selecting treatments after surgery, or before surgery in women who get chemotherapy before the primary tumor is removed. Understanding further who is at risk for this type of tumor may help us develop targeted detection strategies, and in patients with an inherited breast cancer risk, may even help us think about prevention strategies. Stay tuned!
On December 19, 2007, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from San Antonio 2007. Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. answered your questions and shared the newest research presented at this year's San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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