According to the World Cancer Research Fund, breast cancer is the second most prevalent form of cancer diagnosed worldwide. For women, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer (T.N.B.C.) is a particularly aggressive form that comprises 15 - 20% of all breast cancer cases in women. Through the research and development of new therapies and screening models, we can better understand the mechanisms behind the progression of T.N.B.C. With a better understanding of its progression, we hope that we can improve its prognosis.
When compared to other forms of breast cancer, T.N.B.C. has an 8 - 16% lower rate of survival. This lower prognosis is largely due to the lack of targeted treatments for T.N.B.C. when compared to other forms of breast cancer. T.N.B.C tumors lack or are “negative” for the expression of the progesterone receptor, estrogen receptor, and the human epidermal growth factor two receptor. In other forms of breast cancer, treatments are targeted to block these receptors, preventing cell proliferation and tumor growth. However, due to the lack of these receptors in T.N.B.C. tumors, this form of cancer has a higher rate of metastasis (tumor migration), higher chance of recurrence, and worse prognosis.
During my co-op at the CÚRAM S.F.I.
