Immunotherapy for early triple negative breast cancer: research agenda for the next decade

Paolo Tarantino, Chiara Corti, Peter Schmid, Javier Cortes, Elizabeth A. Mittendorf, Hope Rugo, Sara M. Tolaney, Giampaolo Bianchini, Fabrice Andrè, Giuseppe Curigliano

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    91 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    For decades, the systemic treatment of localized triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has exclusively relied on chemotherapy. Recent advancements, however, are rapidly reshaping the treatment algorithms for this disease. The addition of pembrolizumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy has indeed shown to significantly improve event-free survival for stage II–III TNBC, leading to its establishment as new standard of care in this setting. This landmark advancement has however raised several important scientific questions. Indeed, we desperately need strategies to identify upfront patients deriving benefit from the addition of immunotherapy. Moreover, the best integration of pembrolizumab with further recent advancements (capecitabine, olaparib) is yet to be defined. Lastly, extensive efforts are needed to minimize the impact on patients of immune-related adverse events and financial toxicity. The next decade of clinical research will be key to overcome these challenges, and ultimately learn how to optimally integrate immunotherapy in the treatment landscape of TNBC.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number23
    Journalnpj Breast Cancer
    Volume8
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2022

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