Breast cancer is currently the most frequent cause of cancer-associated mortality among women. A particular subtype, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), poses a significant challenge due to its hostile nature, reduced treatment options, and poor prognosis. Defined by the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, TNBC tumors evade established therapies that have revolutionized breast cancer treatment. Chemotherapy remains the mainstay, but its efficacy is often limited. This necessitates the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. Immunotherapy leverages the body’s immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells and offers a promising treatment option for TNBC patients. PD-1 and PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors, including avelumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab, have demonstrated encouraging antitumor activity in early clinical studies. These drugs act by reinvigorating the immune system’s ability to identify and attack malignant cells. While the exact mechanisms underlying TNBC’s aggressive behavior remain under investigation, the lack of these molecular receptors is likely a contributing factor. Furthermore, TNBC’s propensity for metastasis and unfavorable survival rates underscore the urgency for improved treatment options. This review explores the emerging potential of immunotherapy. Early research suggests that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors may offer a much-needed alternative for this aggressive subtype. However, further investigation is necessary to optimize the efficacy of various immune checkpoint inhibitors on TNBC. Success in these endeavors could pave the way for immunotherapy to become a cornerstone of future treatment strategies for TNBC patients, offering new hope for patients with this challenging and aggressive form of breast cancer.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): A Review

  • Olayemi Oluseun Akinnola,
  • Oluwanifemi Omodara Ogunleye

摘要

Breast cancer is currently the most frequent cause of cancer-associated mortality among women. A particular subtype, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), poses a significant challenge due to its hostile nature, reduced treatment options, and poor prognosis. Defined by the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, TNBC tumors evade established therapies that have revolutionized breast cancer treatment. Chemotherapy remains the mainstay, but its efficacy is often limited. This necessitates the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. Immunotherapy leverages the body’s immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells and offers a promising treatment option for TNBC patients. PD-1 and PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors, including avelumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab, have demonstrated encouraging antitumor activity in early clinical studies. These drugs act by reinvigorating the immune system’s ability to identify and attack malignant cells. While the exact mechanisms underlying TNBC’s aggressive behavior remain under investigation, the lack of these molecular receptors is likely a contributing factor. Furthermore, TNBC’s propensity for metastasis and unfavorable survival rates underscore the urgency for improved treatment options. This review explores the emerging potential of immunotherapy. Early research suggests that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors may offer a much-needed alternative for this aggressive subtype. However, further investigation is necessary to optimize the efficacy of various immune checkpoint inhibitors on TNBC. Success in these endeavors could pave the way for immunotherapy to become a cornerstone of future treatment strategies for TNBC patients, offering new hope for patients with this challenging and aggressive form of breast cancer.