Abstract: |
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the focus of this book, is defined by what it is not. It is not positive for hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone) and it lacks overexpression or gene amplification of HER2. Without these three receptors, the only consistently effective systemic treatment remains chemotherapy with its attendant toxicities. As a result of these narrowed treatment options and given its relatively aggressive natural history, there is increasing emphasis on both clinical and translational research in this subtype of breast cancer. This book covers the whole spectrum of TNBC management, from risk factors, molecular profiling, and diagnostics to adjuvant chemotherapy and targeted agents. The optimal management of TNBC patients requires the understanding of molecular subgroups of this heterogeneous disease and possible use of combination treatment with conventional and novel targeted therapies. © 2011 Future Medicine Ltd. All rights reserved. |