New Treatments for Aggressive Breast Cancer

New study identifies promising drug combinations for triple negative breast cancer treatment

A recent study conducted by the NanomedicineUACJ Research Group has identified several promising drug combinations for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer, a subtype known for its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. The review analyzed the effectiveness of different drug combinations in improving overall survival and response rates in patients with triple negative breast cancer. The findings suggest that certain drug combinations may provide new options for the treatment of this challenging disease. Evidence before this study: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that lacks estrogen and progesterone receptors and does not overexpress the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Previous treatment options for TNBC were limited to chemotherapy alone, resulting in a poor prognosis for patients. In 2018, an estimated 2.1 million new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed globally, with the incidence increasing by 0.5% annually from 2014 to 2018. The exact prevalence of TNBC is difficult to determine because it is based on the absence of certain receptors and overexpression of HER2. Treatment options for TNBC include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. In 2019, the FDA approved the use of the PD-L1 targeted antibody atezolizumab in combination with nab-paclitaxel as the first immune checkpoint inhibitor regimen for breast cancer, specifically for patients with locally advanced or metastatic TNBC that expresses PD-L1. This approval highlights the potential of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with chemotherapies for the treatment of TNBC and other types of cancer. Added value of this study: The current study adds to the existing evidence on the use of immunotherapy, specifically combination therapy using PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, as a potential treatment option for metastatic TNBC. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the effectiveness and safety of this treatment option, including a review of clinical trials and observational studies. The study also discusses the potential mechanisms of action of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and their relationship to PD-L1 expression in TNBC. Implications of all the available evidence: The available evidence suggests that combination immunotherapy using PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors may be a promising treatment option for metastatic TNBC, although further studies are needed to compare its effectiveness and safety to other treatments. These studies should focus on improving overall survival rates and reducing the incidence of adverse events in relation to PD-L1 expression. Additionally, research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of action of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and their relationship to PD-L1 expression in TNBC, as this knowledge may inform treatment decisions and help to identify predictive biomarkers for response to treatment.