Chances of cure for triple-negative breast cancer | What is triple-negative breast cancer?

Chances of cure for triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer is a disease with a high risk of very rapid growth. If a pathological complete remission is achieved by chemotherapy, the chances of cure are very good. If this does not happen, the prognosis is significantly worse, but can be improved as much as possible by a complete removal of both breasts and subsequent radiation.

The 5-year survival rate for triple-negative breast cancer is almost 80%. Of course, it is strongly dependent on the stage at which the disease is detected. The less advanced the tumor is, the better the chances of controlling it and curing the patient.The risk of relapse in triple-negative breast cancer is highest in the first two to three years. Later, recurrences occur very rarely.

Causes of triple-negative breast cancer

In 50% of cases of triple-negative tumors in young women, there is a mutation in the BRCA1 gene. This is a germline mutation that occurs in all cells, including healthy cells, and is therefore inherited. This means that these tumors are inherited forms.

In older patients, the BRCA1 mutation occurs less frequently. Other mutations are also common, such as the TP53 mutation. This is a gene that is responsible for the normal cell cycle.

If this gene mutates, this leads to an increased cell division rate. This mutation, too, can be inherited (Li-Fraumeni syndrome) or can also be caused spontaneously by chemical substances such as cigarette smoke. In general, young women are often affected by the disease.