A triple negative breast cancer: What it is not!

Abstract

The triple negative cancer is an unusual, and at the same time, a unique entity where the discordance rate is almost 18%. That means 18% of Her2 negative results will transform into a Her2 positive status and will have the affinity to spread to the central nervous system (CNS). With the identification of CD44, CD24, and ALDH1, we may be able to determine which group of triple negative breast cancer patients will have CNS metastasis. This case illustrates the Her2 expressing cells have higher CNS affinity. As the original tumor was Her2 negative, if a genomic assay was then done on this patient, we would have identified the potential of CNS involvement. In conclusion, genomic assays should be routinely done on triple negative cancers. © 2012 Katakkar, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd.