Mingya Zhu,1 Yongqin Liu,1 Zhu Wen,1 Hao Tan,1 Siman Li,1 Xinkang Yu,1 Hongping Luo,1 Delin Li,1 Jinyan Wang,1 Fangyan Qin2 

1Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China; 2The Second People’s Hospital of Jiangjin Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Fangyan Qin, The Second People’s Hospital of Jiangjin Chongqing, No. 62, Zhongxing Road, Baisha Town, Jiangjin District, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China, Email qinfangyan2024@163.com

Abstract: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is recognized as the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. Clinically, TNBC is associated with significant invasiveness, high propensity for metastasis, frequent recurrence, and unfavorable outcomes. The absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in TNBC renders it unresponsive to endocrine therapies and treatments that target HER2. Consequently, the current therapeutic options are primarily confined to surgical intervention, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Given the considerable heterogeneity of TNBC, targeted therapies have emerged as promising avenues for treatment. Furthermore, immunotherapy has demonstrated the potential to enhance overall survival and therapeutic response in patients with TNBC. Additionally, research indicates that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may yield beneficial effects in the management of this cancer subtype. This review aims to consolidate recent advancements in treatment strategies for TNBC, particularly those based on molecular subtypes.

Keywords: TNBC, HER2, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, TCM