Improving efficacy of TNBC immunotherapy: based on analysis and subtyping of immune microenvironment

Front Immunol. 2024 Oct 4:15:1441667. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1441667. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive type of breast cancer that encompasses several distinct subtypes. Recent advances in immunotherapy offer a promising future for the treatment of these highly heterogeneous and readily metastatic tumors. Despite advancements, the efficacy of immunotherapy remains limited as shown by unimproved efficacy of PD-L1 biomarker and limited patient benefit. To enhance the effectiveness of TNBC immunotherapy, we conducted investigation on the microenvironment, and corresponding therapeutic interventions of TNBC and recommended further investigation into the identification of additional biomarkers that can facilitate the subtyping of TNBC for more targeted therapeutic approaches. TNBC is a highly aggressive subtype with dismal long-term survival due to the lack of opportunities for traditional endocrine and targeted therapies. Recent advances in immunotherapy have shown promise, but response rates can be limited due to the heterogeneous tumor microenvironments and developed therapy resistance, especially in metastatic cases. In this review, we will investigate the tumor microenvironment of TNBC and corresponding therapeutic interventions. We will summarize current subtyping strategies and available biomarkers for TNBC immunotherapy, with a particular emphasis on the need for further research to identify additional prognostic markers and refine tailored therapies for specific TNBC subtypes. These efforts aim to improve treatment sensitivity and ultimately enhance survival outcomes for advanced-stage TNBC patients.

Keywords: TNBC; biomarker; breast cancer; immune subtype; immunotherapy; microenvironment; therapeutic target.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy* / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / classification
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Tumor Microenvironment* / immunology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFE0206300) and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Guangdong Province (S202410558147).