Epigenetic alterations in triple-negative breast cancer and their clinical implications for diagnosis and therapy

Abstract

Breast cancer, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with subtypes differing in treatment options and prognoses. In particular, TNBC, characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression, is the most aggressive subtype, with limited treatment options, high metastatic rates, and poor survival outcomes. In recent years, epigenetic studies have emerged as a promising tool for analyzing gene expression and alterations in TNBC, providing potential insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA (ncRNA)-mediated gene silencing, play a crucial role in the development and progression of TNBC. Research into these mechanisms holds significant promise for the development of personalized therapeutic approaches, potentially improving outcomes for TNBC patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in research on epigenetic alterations in TNBC, with an emphasis on potential clinical applications aimed at improving survival and quality of life in TNBC patients.