Triple Negative
Also written as TNBC.
The 'triple negative' breast cancers (ER, PR, HER2 negative) are harder to treat, but there are chemotherapy protocols that can be employed.
What our notes say
- The 'triple negative' breast cancers (ER, PR, HER2 negative) are harder to treat, but there are chemotherapy protocols that can be employed. (Breast mcqs — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Some of these carcinomas are found to be 'triple negative' for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2. (Breast mcqs — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Triple-negative breast cancer (ER-, PR-, HER2-) is strongly associated with BRCA1 mutations, and tends to be more aggressive with worse prognosis (Skin & Breast Pathology CAT: MKU Year 3 Medicine Exam)
- Triple negative simply means the cancer has none of the three receptors — no ER, no PR, no HER2. (Breast Carcinoma: Understanding Types, Receptors & Treatment)
- It is triple negative because all three tests come back negative. (Breast Carcinoma: Understanding Types, Receptors & Treatment)
- BRCA1-associated cancers are often ER-negative, high-grade, and triple-negative. (Disorders of the Vagina and Breast)
Study material on Triple Negative
- Breast Carcinoma: Understanding Types, Receptors & Treatment
- Exam Prep: Skin Infections, Psoriasis & Pemphigus
- Breast mcqs
- General & Systemic Pathology SAQ Paper II — 15 July 2025 (MBPA 3500, MKU Year 3, With Answers)
- Skin & Breast Pathology CAT: MKU Year 3 Medicine Exam
- General & Systemic Pathology SAQ — Paper II
- Disorders of the Vagina and Breast
Practice questions on Triple Negative
Triple-negative breast carcinoma is defined by the absence of which three markers?
- CA-125, HER2, and p53 expression
- Oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2
- BRCA1, BRCA2, and E-cadherin expression
- Ki-67, p53, and oestrogen receptor expression
Answer: B. Triple-negative breast cancer lacks ER, PR, and HER2. It has the worst prognosis among molecular subtypes and is strongly associated with BRCA1 mutations. ---