What is one key characteristic of triple-negative breast cancer?

Triple-negative breast cancer is defined by its lack of expression of three key receptors: estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This characteristic distinguishes it from other types of breast cancer that may be hormone receptor-positive or HER2-positive.

Because triple-negative breast cancer does not express these receptors, it is not responsive to hormonal therapies such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, which target hormone receptor-positive tumors. Furthermore, it is essential to understand that this subtype is more aggressive and has a different clinical outlook compared to other breast cancers.

The lack of hormone receptors contributes to its unique treatment challenges and necessitates different therapeutic strategies, primarily focusing on chemotherapy. This makes the identification of triple-negative breast cancer crucial for guiding treatment decisions.