Thursday, April 18, 2024
HomeMust ReadIs Stage 4 Triple Negative Breast Cancer Curable

Is Stage 4 Triple Negative Breast Cancer Curable

Recurrence Of Metastatic Breast Cancer

Triple negative stage 4 breast cancer reoccurrance after 4 years in remission.

Metastatic breast cancer is considered a chronic disease, so it doesnt go away and recur.

But in recent years, people under age 50 have seen a particularly strong decline in death rates due to breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

These declines are due in part to improved screening and treatment for the disease.

There are a few general facts that are helpful to know about breast cancer outlook:

  • Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in the United States, according to the

What Are The Odds Of Stage 3 Breast Cancer

The short answer is yes, unfortunately. The odds of surviving are in your favor, however. If you have stage III breast cancer, you have a 28% chance of dying five years after diagnosis, according to recent U.S. statistics. Survival rates for breast cancer depend upon the extent to which the cancer has spread and the treatment received. Statistics for survival are based upon women who were diagnosed years ago, and since therapies are constantly improving, current survival rates may be even

What are the stages of triple negative breast cancer?

Triple-negative breast cancer is characterized by the absence of estrogen and progesterone receptors, and does not involve the overexpression of human epidermal growth factor 2 . The publisher estimates that in 2018, there were 2.1 million incident cases and 8.6 million five-year prevalent cases of breast cancer worldwide.

What is the survival rate for Stage 3 breast cancer?

The estimated three-year EFS rates Cancer Medicine, Barts Cancer Institute in London, England. KEYNOTE-522 is the first prospective randomized Phase 3 trial to show an improvement in event-free survival among patients with stage II and stage III

Tnbc Chemotherapy Drugs And Efficacy Evaluation

Compared to other types of breast cancer, TNBC has limited treatment options, is prone to recurrence and metastasis, and has a poor prognosis. The main reason is that the expression of ER, PR, and HER2 are all negative, making specific endocrine therapies and targeted therapies ineffective. Therefore, chemotherapy has become the main approach for the treatment of TNBC. In recent years, a large body of literature has shown that the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of TNBC has a significantly higher pathological remission rate than for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and can significantly improve the prognosis of TNBC patients. The national comprehensive cancer network guidelines recommend using combination regimens based on taxane, anthracycline, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, and fluorouracil. At present, taxel/docetaxel + adriamycin + cyclophosphamide , docetaxel + cyclophosphamide , adriamycin + cyclophosphamide , cyclophosphamide + methotrexate + fluorouracil , cyclophosphamide + adriamycin + fluorouracil , and cyclophosphamide + epirubicin + fluorouracil + paclitaxel/docetaxel are the preferred adjuvant regimens for TNBC. Therefore, the selection of appropriate chemotherapy drugs and the optimization of chemotherapy regimens are important for ensuring good treatment outcome and prognosis of TNBC patients.

Also Check: Do People Survive Stage 4 Breast Cancer

Also Check: Is Stage 3 Breast Cancer Metastatic

How Many Subtypes Of Tnbc Are There

In 2011, Lehmann et al. performed gene expression profiling of tumor samples from 587 TNBC patients and divided TNBC into six subtypes: basal-like 1 , basal-like 2 , mesenchymal , mesenchymal stem-like , immunomodulatory , and luminal androgen receptor . They also performed gene profiling and compared existing TNBC breast cancer cell lines, classifying them into six different subtypes, thus providing an accurate cell model for clinical treatment of TNBC .

Populations At Increased Risk For Tnbc

What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer

There are certain risk factors that put a woman at greater risk for TNBC. You may be at increased risk if:

There are many factors that contribute to these racial disparities that are still unknown. However, Black and Hispanic patients are more likely to have unsatisfying communication with their doctors, experience discrimination in health-care settings and have a harder time getting to and from their appointments.

You May Like: Can Teenage Males Get Breast Cancer

Will Ever Be A Cure For Triple

Triple-negative breast cancer is curable when a doctor diagnoses it during the first three stages , said Dr. Jacoub. He treats stages 13 with everything he can in order to remove and destroy the cancer.

However, the ability to cure triple-negative breast cancer is hindered by recurrence or metastasis past the lymph nodes. Triple-negative breast cancer is the most likely form of breast cancer to return.

The outlook for people with localized triple-negative breast cancer over a 5-year period is good. Around 91% of people will survive to the 5-year mark.

If the cancer spreads to local tissue or lymph nodes, however, the 5-year survival rate drops to 65%. If it spreads to other organs or tissue, the rate falls to 12%.

These figures are based on data for people who received treatment in the past. Newer methods have changed the outlook, which will continue to shift as different treatments become available.

Anecdotally, Dr. Nan has a segment of patients who have responded to immunotherapy treatment for longer than 5 years.

Maybe if follows these long enough, some may still be alive after more than 10 or 15 years, then we can say cured, he said. With developed or newer types of immunotherapy, may be able to cure stage 4 cancer in the future.

Dr. Jacoub agreed that the outlook is changing with newer treatments. He also noted that although some people have a reduced quality of life while undergoing treatment, others can maintain a good quality of life.

How Long Does It Take To Die From Breast Cancer

The chance of dying of Stage I breast cancer within five years of diagnosis is 1 to 5% if you pursue recommended treatments. Stage II breast cancer is also considered an early stage of breast cancer. There is a slightly increased risk to your life versus a Stage I breast cancer. Altogether, the risk of Stage II breast cancer threatening your life

You May Like: American Cancer Society Breast Cancer

Morbidity Financial And Social Burdens Of Therapy

Chemotherapy is often feared by patients due to the side effects associated with treatment however, the costs for administering therapy have also become a major burden for both the United States healthcare system as well as the patients it serves. Financial toxicity is not frequently disclosed, and can be materially and psychologically debilitating for patients. Financial hardships induced by the cost of cancer care worsen patient psychological stress and financial insolvency has been identified as a risk factor for early mortality in cancer patients.,

Is Stage 3 Triple

Stage 4 Breast Cancer – Part 4/4 – “Treatment of stage 4, triple-negative breast cancers”

Is Stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer curable? Survival Rate for Patients with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer is considered aggressive, or fast-growing, but it is treatable. Survival depends on factors such as how advanced the cancer was at diagnosis, your overall health, and your response to treatment.

Is Stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer serious? Its one of the most challenging breast cancers to treat. But researchers are making steady progress toward more effective treatments. Overall, 77% of women who have triple negative breast cancer are alive five years after diagnosis.

Whats the survival rate for triple-negative breast cancer?

SEER Stage
All stages combined 77%

How long can you live with triple-negative? In general, about 91% of all women with triple-negative breast cancer are still alive 5 years after diagnosis. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes near the breast the 5 year relative survival rate is about 65%. If the cancer has spread to distant places, the 5 year relative survival rate is 12%.

Read Also: Type Of Breast Cancer Surgery

Treatment For Advanced Breast Cancer

Treatment of metastatic breast cancer aims to control the growth and spread of the cancer, to relieve symptoms, reduce pain, and improve or maintain quality of life.

The treatment recommended by doctors will depend on which treatments are likely to control the breast cancer and what side effects the person can cope with. Treatment options may involve:

Prognosis For Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer isnt the same for everyone who has it. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, your symptoms at stage 4 will depend on the degree to which the cancer has spread in your body.

Although metastatic breast cancer has no current cure, it can be treated. Getting the right treatment can increase both your quality of life and longevity.

Life expectancy for breast cancer is based on studies of many people with the condition. These statistics cant predict your personal outcome each persons outlook is different.

The following factors can affect your life expectancy with metastatic breast cancer:

Don’t Miss: What Gene Is Associated With Breast Cancer

Ctdna Surveillance Proves Challenging In Triple

Using circulating tumor DNA testing to predict recurrence and guide therapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer is challenging due to the rapid nature of relapse, according to researchers.

The team conducted a phase 2 trial to assess the utility of prospective ctDNA surveillance in TNBC and evaluate the activity of pembrolizumab in patients who were positive for ctDNA. The results were published in Annals of Oncology.

The phase 2 study included 161 evaluable patients with early-stage TNBC and residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy or stage II-III disease with adjuvant chemotherapy.

Blood samples were evaluated at baseline and every 3 months for 1 year for active surveillance of ctDNA, then up to 2 years for retrospective analysis.

Patients who were positive for ctDNA were randomly assigned 2:1 to an intervention or observation. For the intervention, patients without metastatic recurrence on imaging were offered pembrolizumab. Patients who had metastatic recurrence or declined pembrolizumab were treated with standard care off trial.

The co-primary endpoints of the study were the rate of ctDNA detection and sustained ctDNA clearance with pembrolizumab.

The ctDNA detection rate was 27.3% by 12 months, which was the expected rate, according to the researchers. Patients with high-risk disease had a higher rate of ctDNA detection than patients with moderate-risk disease 55.7% and 11.8%, respectively.

Reference

Can You Overcome Stage 4 Breast Cancer

Stage 4 Triple Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer

Theres currently no cure for stage 4 breast cancer, but with treatments it can be kept under control, often for years at a time. People with metastatic breast cancer need to receive treatments for the rest of their lives. If a certain treatment stops being effective, another treatment regimen may be tried.

Recommended Reading: Stage 4 Breast Cancer Open Wound

Diagnosing Triple Negative Breast Cancer

In many women the cancer is found during breast screening. But symptoms such as a breast lump can be a sign of breast cancer. So it is important to get any symptoms checked by your doctor.

If you have symptoms and see your GP they refer you to a specialist breast clinic. At the breast clinic the doctor or breast care nurse takes your medical history and examines your breasts. They also feel for any swollen lymph nodes under your arms and at the base of your neck.

You have some of the following tests:

  • a biopsy your doctor or nurse take a small sample of cells or tissue from your breast to look at under a microscope

Depending on your age and whether other family members have had breast cancer, your doctor might refer you for gene testing. This is to find out if there is a fault in the BRCA cancer gene.

How Long Do You Have To Live To Be On Hospice

In order to receive hospice care, you usually need a physicians note saying that you are expected to live six months or less. If you live longer, thats not a problem and theres no penalty. Your care can either be renewed for another six months or discontinued. You can also change your mind at any time if you decide you would rather pursue treatments designed to treat your cancer.

You May Like: How Do You Know If Breast Cancer Is Hereditary

Causes Of Triple Negative Breast Cancer

The risk factors for triple negative breast cancer are not clear. Some breast cancers depend on hormones to grow. These can be linked with risk factors to do with hormones and having children. But triple negative breast cancer does not seem to share these risk factors.

Most women with triple negative breast cancer have no strong history of breast cancer in their family . But some women with triple negative breast cancer have an altered BRCA1 gene. This will have been inherited from a parent.

An altered BRCA 1 gene can cause breast cancer to run in families. Most breast cancers caused by BRCA1 are triple negative.

If you have triple negative breast cancer, you may be offered genetic testing. This is even if you do not have a family history of breast cancer. Your cancer doctor or breast care nurse can explain more about this to you.

The tests are the same as for any type of breast cancer. You usually have a:

  • Mammogram

    A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast.

  • Ultrasound scan

    An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to produce a picture of the breast tissue and the lymph nodes in the armpit.

  • Breast biopsy

    When you have a breast biopsy, your cancer doctor or breast care nurse takes small samples of cells or tissue from your breast. The samples are looked at under a microscope to check for cancer cells. They also do other tests to find out if the cells have receptors for hormones, or for HER2.

See also

The staging and grading is the same as for other types of breast cancer.

What Are The Treatment Options For Triple Negative Breast Cancer

How Is Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treated?

identify a few treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer. These include: lumpectomy, or the removal of the tumor while leaving most of the breast intact. mastectomy, or the removal of the breast and some surrounding tissue. chemotherapy. radiation therapy. Triple-negative breast cancer is more responsive.

You May Like: Breast Cancer Types And Survival Rates

Our Advice To Other Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer: Be Nice To Yourself

Give yourself a break! is the advice that Sendelbach offers. Stop negative self-talk about what you should have done but didnt do, she says. If you have MBC, you need to be kind and loving to yourself.

The body has only so much energy to offer per day, and managing metastatic breast cancer requires a lot of it. So it doesnt make sense to try to compare what youre able to do with what your cancer-free friends are accomplishing.

Just getting through the day can be hard, Sendelbach says. Getting rid of those not good enough feelings can lift a huge weight off you.

Coping With Advanced Breast Cancer

Being told that you have advanced or metastatic breast cancer may be very confronting or overwhelming. Some women also find the news that their cancer has spread or come back is more devastating than their original diagnosis.

There are many resources available online to help you further understand the meaning of your diagnosis and how to manage the emotional, physical and practical issues arising from metastatic breast cancer. Below are some links where these resources can be accessed:

Although support groups can provide a safe place for people to express their feelings amongst others who share a similar experience, some people are more comfortable talking one-on-one, such as with a counsellor, therapist or trained volunteer . Your GP can also refer you to a psychologist, social worker or other trained therapist. Every person is different and it is important to find a healthy support system that works for you.

Don’t Miss: Does Breast Cancer Show Up In Blood Tests

I Have Triple Negative Breast Cancer What Can I Do To Help Myself

You already took the first step when you decided to help yourself. Many times cancer makes people feel as if theyve lost control of their lives. Committing to self-care is one way to overcome that feeling. Here are some things you can do during and after your treatment:

  • Triple negative breast cancer is a rare and often misunderstood illness. Many people dont realize this cancer cant be treated the same as other breast cancers. As a result, you might feel isolated and alone with your cancer. If that happens, your healthcare provider can direct you to TNBC support groups and programs where you can talk to people who understand your experience.
  • Youll probably need or want help while youre going through treatment. Your friends and family likely are anxious to do what they can. Let them know how they can help you.
  • If you will need cancer surgery, ask your healthcare provider what to expect immediately after surgery and any follow-up treatment. Knowing what to expect will help you focus on what you can control rather than what you cant control.
  • Cancer is stressful. You might find activities such as meditation, relaxation exercises or deep breathing exercises help to ease your stress.
  • Chemotherapy treatments might affect your appetite. Try to eat a healthy diet, and talk to a nutritionist if you’re having trouble eating.
  • Radiation treatment can leave you feeling exhausted. Plan to rest as much as possible during your treatment.

What Does Triple Negative Breast Cancer Look Like On A Mammogram

What Is The Survival Rate For Stage 4 Triple Negative Breast Cancer

On a mammogram, triple negative breast cancer most commonly appears as an irregular, non-calcified mass with ill-defined or spiculated margins. Most triple negative breast cancers are discovered during a physical exam in younger women without a prior mammogram. You can find the most recent triple negative breast cancer clinical trials by using Power, which allows you to search trials tailored to your condition, location, and ideal treatment. Anonymous Online Contributor

Recommended Reading: When To Check For Breast Cancer

RELATED ARTICLES

Popular Articles