Systemic treatment for triple negative breast cancer in older patients: A Young International Society of Geriatric Oncology Review Paper

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting women worldwide and its risk increases with age. Compared with other breast cancer subtypes, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) behaves more aggressively, with earlier relapses and poorer survival outcomes. Although the incidence of TNBC decreases with age, it still affects about 10% of older women with breast cancer. The management of TNBC in older patients is particularly challenging as chemotherapy is the main treatment choice in both early and advanced diseases and older patients are often prone to increased treatment-related toxicities. This review highlights the specific considerations in this vulnerable group of patients and summarizes the current evidence for TNBC management in older adults from early to late stage of disease.