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An exclusive “Ask the Expert” Q&A session with the esteemed medical oncologist from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Tiffany Traina, a luminary in the field of oncology, particularly in the battle against TNBC.
Below is a summary of the discussion with Dr. Traina.
For individuals with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), certain diagnostic tests play a crucial role in guiding treatment, especially in metastatic cases. Here’s a breakdown of key tests that should be discussed with your healthcare provider:
BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genetic Testing: Knowing if you have a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes is essential. These mutations not only affect your family risk but can guide the choice of therapy. For example, PARP inhibitors like olaparib or talazoparib are recommended for those with these mutations.
PD-L1 Testing: PD-L1 is a biomarker that predicts whether immunotherapy will be effective. If the tumor tests positive for PD-L1, a combination of immunotherapy (like pembrolizumab) with chemotherapy is typically the first line of treatment.
Tumor Sequencing: After first-line treatment, if the cancer progresses, doctors may sequence the tumor to identify specific mutations. This could uncover vulnerabilities in the cancer that targeted therapies can exploit.
HER2 Status: Even if you don’t have HER2-positive cancer, there’s now a category known as HER2-low. A targeted therapy, trastuzumab deruxtecan, is available for patients with HER2-low TNBC, expanding treatment options.
These tests are critical for personalizing treatment, improving outcomes, and offering alternatives to traditional chemotherapy. Always consult with your healthcare provider about appropriate testing and clinical trial opportunities for your specific case.
