Lecture on Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Jun 9, 2024

Lecture on Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

Introduction

  • Focus on Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), covering both early-stage and metastatic TNBC.
  • Introduction slide will cover in detail about metastatic TNBC (referred to as Metat).

Classification

  • Mention of Rayman Classification, which involves potential drugs believed to be effective.
  • Overview of TNBC, its characteristics and how it varies based on location and spread.

Staging Criteria

Stage 1 - 3

  • Stage 1: Tumor size less than 1mm.
  • Stage 2: Tumor size between 2cm – 5cm; no significant lymph node involvement.
  • Stage 3: Tumor size more than 5cm, involving close areas with extensive lymph node involvement.

Stage 4

  • Stage 4: Advanced spread involving vital organs and nodes.

Treatment Considerations

Preoperative Recommendations

  • NeoAdjuvant Chemotherapy is advised for inoperable cases like phyllodes tumor, large tumor size, or presence of nodal involvement.
  • Decision based on various factors whether to proceed with surgery or chemotherapy first.

Surgical Decisions Post Neoadjuvant Therapy

  • Types of surgeries considered are mastectomy or lumpectomy based on response.
  • Potential consideration for additional systemic therapy or radiation.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

  • Decision-making between sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND).
  • Criteria for SLNB: clean nodes in imaging or fewer than 2 suspicious nodes.
  • ALND recommended if SLNB is positive or inadequate for clearance.

Chemotherapy Regimens

Historical Perspective

  • Evolution of chemotherapy regimens: CMF, AC, FAC, etc.
  • AC and EC regimens, adding on drugs like Taxanes, Paclitaxel, and Docetaxel.

Modern Approach

  • Use of regimens like TC (Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide) versus more traditional combinations.
  • Benefits and drawbacks comparisons for various chemo combinations.

Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy

  • Exploration of adding drugs like Pembrolizumab and others.
  • Trial outcomes: positive vs. negative impacts.
    • Keynote trials with Pembrolizumab showed improved outcomes.

Residual Disease Management

  • Management post-neoadjuvant treatment if residual disease remains.
  • Trials like CAPE and olaparib for 1-year demonstrated positive outcomes in reducing recurrence.

New Therapeutic Trials and Approaches

  • Integration of novel agents in trials for TNBC to improve outcomes.
  • Focus on Drugs such as Veliparib, Pembrolizumab (Keynote 522), and their impact on Pathological Complete Response (PCR).

Conclusion

  • Summary reiterating the advances in systemic treatments, their efficacy, and the importance of personalized treatment approaches based on individual response and genetic profiles.