Purpose of review: In this review, we discuss targets of interest in Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), approved targeted agents and the results of the clinical trials that led to their approval. Additionally, we review ongoing clinical trials evaluating the use of novel targeted agents in the treatment of TNBC.
Recent findings: TNBC accounts for 15-20% of all breast cancer cases and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Patients have a higher risk of metastatic recurrence and inferior overall survival compared to other breast cancer subtypes. Cytotoxic chemotherapy has historically been the mainstay of treatment for TNBC. In recent years, we have seen a surge in clinical trials investigating the use of targeted agents in TNBC and now have approval for targeted therapies in select patients. Inhibitors of PARP (olaparib and talazoparib), PD-L1 (atezolizumab) and an antibody drug conjugate targeting Trop-2 (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) are now approved for the use in select groups of patients with TNBC.
Summary: Various novel targeted agents as monotherapy, dual targeted combinations, and chemotherapy combinations are currently under investigation. The results are promising and may significantly improve patient outcomes in TNBC.
Keywords: immunotherapy; novel agents; targeted therapies; triple-negative breast cancer.