Outcomes of Triple-Negative Versus Non-Triple-Negative Breast Cancers Managed with Breast-Conserving Therapy

Background: Triple negative breast cancer is associated with aggressive behavior and high risk of local andregional failure. Aggressive surgical intervention is considered suitable. This makes role of breast conservingtherapy (BCT) debatable in these patients. The objective of this study was to compare outcome of BCT for triplenegative versus non-triple negative breast cancer. Materials and
Methods: Medical records of patients whounderwent breast conserving therapy from 1999 to 2009 at Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital and had completereceptor status information were extracted. Patients were divided into triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) andnon-TNBC. Patient characteristics, medical treatment modalities and adverse events were compared. Expectedfive year locoregional recurrence free, disease free and overall survival was calculated. The Cox proportionalhazard model was used to identify independent predictors of outcome.
Results: A total of 194 patients with TNBCand 443 with non-TNBC were compared. Significant difference was present for age at presentation (p<0.0001),family history (p=0.005), grade (p<0.0001) and use of hormonal therapy (p<0.0001). The number of locoregionalfailures, distant failures and mortalities were not significantly different. No significant difference was present in5 year locoregional recurrence free (96% vs 92%, p=0.3), disease free (75% vs 74%, p=0.7) and overall survival(78% vs 83%, p=0.2). On multivariate analysis, tumor size, nodal involvement and hormonal treatment wereindependent predictors of negative events.
Conclusions: Breast conserving therapy has comparable outcomesfor triple negative and non-triple negative breast cancers.