Triple hormone negative breast cancer is a sub-type of breast cancer, characterized by testing negative for the following hormone receptors: human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, progesterone receptor and estrogen receptor. According NetworkOfStrength.org, approximately 15 percent of breast cancer is triple negative.
Understanding the Role of Hormone Receptors
Hormone receptors are proteins located on the exterior of many breast cancer cells, enabling them to receive signals that stimulate growth.
Hormone Therapy
Normally, hormone therapy interferes with the signals between hormones and hormone receptors, effectively halting the growth of breast cancer cells. If you have triple hormone negative breast cancer, hormonal therapies (like tamoxifen) will not be effective.
Facts
According to BreastCancer.org, triple hormone negative breast cancer is more likely to come back after treatment and is also more likely to metastasize (spread) beyond breast tissue.
Treatment
Treatment options for triple hormone negative breast cancer include radiation and chemotherapy. Clinical trials and ongoing research are aimed at identifying new and more effective means of treatment.
Prognosis
According to BreastCancer.org, a 2007 research study indicated that 77 percent of patients with triple hormone negative breast cancer survived for five years or more (compared to 93 percent in patients with other forms of breast cancer).
Tags: breast cancer, hormone negative, hormone negative breast, negative breast, negative breast cancer, triple hormone
