Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Treatment in Thailand

What is Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)?

About 10–15% of all instances of breast cancer are triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an uncommon yet aggressive and rapidly spreading cancer that lacks three typical receptors found in most breast cancers: estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and the HER2 protein. Globally, TNBC is the most common cause of death for females and the most aggressive type of metastatic cancer.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Timely treatment of Triple-negative breast Cancer is crucial for many possible reasons :

• Preventing Spread- Early detection can stop TNBC from spreading to other body sites, including lymph nodes, particularly those in the underarms. Due to its aggressive nature, Early efforts to limit its spread boost the chances of a successful course of treatment.
• Improving Survival- Women with TNBC tend to have a worse outcome than women with other common types of breast cancer due to its aggressiveness; the survival rates for TNBC are generally not as high as they are for different types of breast cancer. For better outcomes, early intervention can significantly increase long-term survival.
• Reducing Complications- Early treatment reduces the risk of complications, such as spreading complications to other organs through lymph nodes or the bloodstream, also called metastasis, and the need for more aggressive treatments.
• Preserving Quality of Life - Less invasive techniques and improving surgical outcomes are frequently used in early treatment, enhancing quality of life and speeding up recovery.
• Psychological Benefits- Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce stress and anxiety linked with the uncertainty of untreated cancer.

What are the Common Symptoms of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)?

• Any inexplicable change in the breast's size or form, such as swelling or shrinking (mainly if it only affects one side).
• Dimpling or puckering in the breast's skin gives it an orange-peel appearance.
• Breast or nipple pain
• Nipple retraction
• Nipple discharge
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or areola

Causes and Risk Factors of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

Traditional risk factors for all types of breast cancer, including lifestyle and environmental factors, also apply to triple-negative breast cancer. The exact causes of TNBC are not fully recognised, but several factors are involved in its development:

Causes

• Genetic Mutations: Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are primarily associated with TNBC.
• Hormonal Factors: TNBC does not react to hormonal treatments because it lacks HER2, progesterone, and estrogen receptors.

Risk Factors

• Age - It tends to occur in younger women under age 40.
• Gender- Women are at higher risk of TNBC than men and black women appear to develop TNBC more than white women.
• Genetics also increases the risk factor of TNBC if there is any family history of breast cancer, especially with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
• TNBC is more common in Premenopausal women.
• Obesity
• Alcohol Consumption

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in Thailand

• Immunohistochemistry-Based Molecular Subtyping
  To improve prognosis and treatment approaches, Thai researchers created an improved TNBC subtyping technique utilising immunohistochemical markers.
• Targeted Therapy for TNBC: Plumbagin (As a natural Inhibitor)
  In TNBC cells, plumbagin from Plumbago indica suppresses STAT3 signalling, which lowers proliferation and migration and may increase the efficacy of chemotherapy.
• Radiolabeled Nanoparticles
  Iodine-131 nanoparticles have the potential to be a therapy breakthrough by precisely targeting aggressive TNBC.
• Novel Thai Herbal Compound
  They Research on plant active compounds having anticancer effects on TNBC cells, Promising for non-toxic alternatives to chemotherapy.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Prevention Tips

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cannot be prevented, although there are lifestyle behaviours that can lower the risk. Here are some tips-

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fibres that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins; certain foods are associated with reducing breast cancer risk, for example, broccoli, kale, plant active compounds like EGCG(green tea) and berberine consumption are associated with anticancer properties. Avoid alcohol consumption as it increases the risk of breast cancer in women.
• Lifestyle modifications should be made by staying physically active to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer in women.
• Quit smoking
• Visit your healthcare professionals for routine checkups and routine procedures like mammograms and breast examinations to detect any early abnormalities.
• Limit Hormone replacement therapies and use them over a short period that too, under the medical guidance of healthcare professionals.
• Recognise early breast cancer symptoms like severe nipple retraction and unusual inflammation like swelling, itching, and breast enlargement, and seek medical attention if needed.
• Genetic counselling to assess the risk factors and preventive measures are required if there is any family history of breast cancer.