Breast cancer types5 min read

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

TNBC lacks the three receptors that fuel most breast cancers, so it does not respond to hormone therapy or anti-HER2 drugs — but it responds remarkably well to chemotherapy.

Triple-negative means the tumour is negative for oestrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors. It is more common in younger women and more aggressive in behaviour, which is why it is taken very seriously.

What this profile means

  • Hormone therapy will not work
  • HER2-targeting drugs will not work
  • Chemotherapy is the mainstay and is often very effective
  • Immunotherapy adds benefit for some people

Although TNBC can be aggressive, it is also chemo-sensitive: many people achieve a complete response, especially when treatment is given before surgery.

In brief

Negative for oestrogen, progesterone and HER2
More common in younger women
Highly sensitive to chemotherapy

What you can do

Embrace the whole toolbox

Chemotherapy, immunotherapy and surgery all have a role.

Ask about trials

TNBC research moves fast — options keep growing.

Keep learning

Standard treatment vs clinical trialsAwarenessChemotherapyAwarenessLab tests on the tissue sampleAwareness