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Adjuvant therapy of triple negative breast cancer

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Abstract

Patients with the triple negative subtype of breast cancer have an overall poor outcome, with earlier relapses, distinct patterns of metastases, and lack of specific targets for treatment selection. Classification of these tumors has begun to be modified by inclusion of immunohistochemistry for various markers, and gene profiling. Further characterization of this subtype of breast cancer may aid in the identification of new targeted therapies. Anthracyclines and taxanes remain the standard of care in the adjuvant setting. However, novel anti-angiogenesis, anti-tubulin, and DNA repair agents are already under evaluation in (neo) adjuvant trials. Molecular characterization is being included in trials to identify optimal adjuvant strategies. The aim of this manuscript is to review data concerning the molecular characterization of triple negative breast cancers as well as the clinical outcomes of treating patients with existing adjuvant treatments, and to highlight newer adjuvant research strategies in development.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the patients, physicians, nurses, data managers, and trial coordinators who participated in these studies. The authors wish to acknowledge Donna Deegan for her inspiration and Melisa Walker for editorial support. This work is supported in part by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation; National Institute of Health [Grant # CA25224]; and The Donna Foundation.

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  1. Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA

    Edith A. Perez, Alvaro Moreno-Aspitia, E. Aubrey Thompson & Cathy A. Andorfer

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  1. Edith A. Perez
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  2. Alvaro Moreno-Aspitia
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Correspondence to Edith A. Perez.

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Perez, E.A., Moreno-Aspitia, A., Aubrey Thompson, E. et al. Adjuvant therapy of triple negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 120, 285–291 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-010-0736-z

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