Pathology and Oncology Expert Perspectives in the Management of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Case Explorations and Answers to FAQs

STATEMENT OF NEED

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease that accounts for approximately 10% to 15% of breast cancer diagnoses and is characterized by the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). TNBC is more common in Black women and in women under the age of 40 (ACS, 2023). Compared with other subtypes of invasive breast cancer, TNBC has high rates of metastasis and a poor prognosis. Due to the lack of hormone and receptor targets, therapeutic options are limited, and prognostication and treatment selection are complicated by the heterogeneity of the disease (Yang et al, 2022). In this activity, Dr. Sara Tolaney, Chief of the Division of Breast Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Dr. Ira Bleiwess, Chief of Breast Pathology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, will provide expert oncology and pathology perspectives on evidence-based strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and adverse event management for patients with TNBC.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, oncology nurses, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

-Evaluate the implications of hormone receptor and HER2 expression status for prognostication and treatment selection in TNBC
-Differentiate the pathological characteristics of the various types of TNBC
-Select optimal therapy for TNBC based on shared goals, biomarker testing, and clinical data on novel therapies
-Discuss strategies for timely recognition and mitigation of adverse events associated with novel TNBC therapies