Progress: Targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and new chemotherapy strategies in advanced triple-negative breast cancer

Abstract

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer, accounting for approximately 15% of cases, and is defined by the lack of expression of hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone receptors) and lack of amplification or overexpression of human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2). Due to the lack of targets of hormone receptors and HER2, treatment of TNBC or advanced TNBC relies on conventional chemotherapeutic agents, but their efficacy and prognosis are poor. In patients with advanced TNBC, poorer outcomes are observed. Recently, with the launch of clinical trials and advancements in molecular studies, targeted therapy for signaling transduction pathways, immunotherapy for immune checkpoints, and new chemotherapy strategies have provided feasible or potential therapeutic options for advanced TNBC. This review aimed to summarize recent progress in targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy for advanced TNBC.