Understanding the Connections between Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Obesity - Key Things to Consider
Obesity has been identified as a significant factor in the progression and prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive and challenging form of the disease to treat due to the absence of hormone receptors and HER2 expression [1][3].
Recent research has shown that obesity promotes the progression of TNBC by creating a proinflammatory and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This environment limits antitumor immunity, allowing TNBC to grow and spread more aggressively [1][3]. As a result, obesity is linked to faster tumor progression, larger, higher-grade tumors, and a poorer prognosis in obese patients with TNBC [1][3].
The limited treatment options for TNBC are further complicated by obesity-related factors. Obesity-induced inflammation may reduce the effectiveness of antitumor immune responses, making treatment even more challenging [1][2][3]. While TNBC typically requires chemotherapy due to the lack of targeted therapies, obesity worsens outcomes by altering immune function and potentially reducing treatment efficacy [1][3].
However, there is hope. Weight loss can potentially reverse some of the adverse effects of obesity on tumor progression and immunity, suggesting an important role for integrative approaches, including weight management, alongside conventional treatment [1].
In a 2022 review, it was found that obesity appears to impact disease-free survival but not overall survival in TNBC [2]. Yet, a more recent study from the same year showed that obesity can significantly impact disease-free survival and overall survival in TNBC [4]. This contradiction highlights the need for further research to fully understand the complex relationship between obesity and TNBC.
High rates of obesity and insulin resistance may account for some of the disparity among African American women with TNBC [5]. In a 2021 study, obesity was associated with larger breast cancer tumors and more node-positive disease at initial presentation [6]. Additionally, obesity was found to be associated with the earlier development of distant metastatic disease in TNBC [7].
For those affected by TNBC and obesity, support and resources are available. Information about TNBC can be found through organisations such as the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Support groups, counseling, and financial assistance are also available through CancerCare [8].
In conclusion, managing obesity is an important consideration in the treatment and prognosis of TNBC patients. By understanding the impact of obesity on TNBC, patients and healthcare providers can work together to develop strategies for managing obesity and improving treatment outcomes.
References:
- Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 2020
- Unspecified journal, 2022
- Medicine, 2018
- Cancer and Metastasis Reviews, 2022
- Cancer and Metastasis Reviews, 2022
- 2022 study
- Cancer and Metastasis Reviews, 2022
- CancerCare
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a challenging form of breast cancer to treat, especially in patients who are obese, as obesity can promote its progression and proliferation.
- Obesity creates a proinflammatory and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which limits antitumor immunity, enabling TNBC to grow and spread more aggressively.
- As a result, obese patients with TNBC often have faster tumor progression, larger, higher-grade tumors, and a poorer prognosis compared to non-obese patients.
- The lack of targeted therapies for TNBC means that treatment typically requires chemotherapy, but obesity can worsen outcomes by altering immune function and reducing treatment efficacy.
- Weight loss can potentially reverse some of the adverse effects of obesity on TNBC, suggesting the importance of integrative approaches like weight management, alongside conventional treatment.
- Since obesity seems to impact disease-free survival and overall survival differently in TNBC, further research is needed to fully understand its complex relationship with the disease, particularly among different demographic groups like African American women.
