What are the treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer?

Triple-negative breast cancer lacks three receptors commonly used to guide hormone or HER2-directed treatment. The plan therefore focuses on treatments that act on dividing cancer cells, help the immune system recognise cancer, or target selected inherited or tumour DNA-repair changes.

Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink cancer, after surgery to reduce the chance of remaining cells, or when cancer has spread. Immunotherapy may be combined with chemotherapy for suitable cases. PARP inhibitor therapy is considered when testing shows a relevant BRCA-related change or another reason it may help.

Ask whether tissue testing and inherited genetic testing are recommended, because the results can affect treatment choices and family discussions. Tell the team about autoimmune illness, medicines, pregnancy plans and prior chemotherapy.

Before treatment, discuss surgery and radiotherapy if they are part of the wider plan, fertility or menopause concerns, practical support, and symptoms that should be reported between visits. Keep a written record of medicines and appointments.

Seek prompt medical advice for fever, breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe diarrhoea, dehydration, a new widespread rash, or sudden weakness during treatment. These symptoms can need assessment because chemotherapy and immunotherapy affect the body in different ways.

What do my receptor, tumour and genetic test results mean? Is treatment planned before or after surgery? Could immunotherapy or PARP inhibitor therapy apply to me? Which side effects require a same-day call, and how will response be assessed?