Skip to content

Developments in triple-negative treatment?

Page last modified on: November 20, 2008
Question from Roger: What are the latest developments and strategies to treat triple-negative advanced disease?
Answers —Nicholas Robert, M.D.: Triple-negative breast cancer refers to tumors that are negative for estrogen and progesterone as well as negative for the HER2 receptor. This represents about 15% of patients. Fortunately, this group of patients appears to respond better to chemotherapy than women who are estrogen receptor-positive. Also there are now a number of drugs that are available for this group of patients. How best to use these drugs, and maybe others, remains a question. In addition, we know this group of patients is positive for something on a molecular level. There is research being done looking for genes and proteins to better understand the biology of this group of patients. It is expected that in the future we will have targets to shoot for like we have in other breast tumor groups.
Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.: One of the most exciting things in breast oncology is the recognition that just like individuals are different, breast cancers are different. So we're getting smarter in our treatment. A couple years ago, we didn't know or refer too commonly to "triple-negative" tumors. The new categories that we have for breast cancer offer promise for more intelligent treatment.

On Wednesday, June 21, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the 2006 ASCO Annual Meeting. Nicholas Robert, M.D. and moderator Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. answered your questions about recent advances in breast cancer treatment, updates on breast cancer genetics, information on diet and risk of recurrence, and more.

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.

A production of LiveWorld, Inc.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

wellness_dvd_promo

Email Updates

Stay informed about current research, online events, and more.

Please leave this field empty

Meet the Experts

Nicholas Robert, M.D.Nicholas Robert, M.D. is a co-chair of the Breast Committee of the U.S. Oncology Research Network and also chairs the Cancer Committee and Research Committee of the Inova Fairfax Hospital's Cancer Center. 

Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer, with a a special interest in cancer survivorship, patient-physician communication, and quality of care for women with breast cancer.

Back to top

Breastcancer.org 7 East Lancaster Avenue, 3rd Floor Ardmore, PA 19003

Learn more about our commitment to your privacy

© 2009 Breastcancer.org - All rights reserved.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.