When is immunotherapy recommended for triple-negative breast cancer?

Triple-negative breast cancer does not use the usual hormone or HER2 targets, so treatment choices rely on other tumour features and the clinical setting. The team considers whether disease is localised, locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic, and whether immunotherapy is being considered before surgery, after surgery or for disease that cannot be removed.

A pathology report may include an immune-related marker that helps guide the discussion. The team also reviews autoimmune disease, transplant history, steroid or immune-suppressing medicines, organ function and prior therapies.

Ask whether your biopsy report includes the marker used to assess immunotherapy and whether a repeat test is needed. Clarify the treatment sequence, expected monitoring and how the plan could change if scans show a different response. Keep your breast cancer records and medication list available for each visit.

Learn more about [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/). Your breast cancer specialist can interpret the result alongside the full pathology and scan findings.

Call the treatment team promptly for breathlessness, persistent cough, severe diarrhoea, a new widespread rash, yellow skin, severe headache, confusion or significant weakness. Fever or signs of infection also need prompt advice during cancer treatment.

What does my tumour testing show? Is immunotherapy intended before surgery, after surgery or for advanced disease? What other treatments will it accompany? Which symptoms require an urgent call?