The integration of radiotherapy with systemic therapy in advanced triple-negative breast cancer
Fang Yang
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, with high aggressiveness and poor prognosis. For patients who have undergone multiple treatments, systemic drug therapy often presents challenges with limited efficacy and significant side effects. Radiotherapy, a pivotal local treatment, has shown substantial local control benefits in patients with inoperable locally advanced or metastatic disease. Clinical evidence suggests that integrating systemic therapy with locoregional radiotherapy can confer survival advantages in advanced malignancies. Within multidisciplinary treatment, the synergy between radiotherapy and systemic therapies shows promise for enhancing outcomes and extending survival. This review synthesizes recent advances in combining radiotherapy and systemic therapy in managing advanced TNBC, focusing on preclinical and clinical evidence regarding efficacy and safety. By reviewing these advancements, we aim to identify novel therapeutic strategies and integrate clinical evidence to inform best practices in TNBC management, ultimately improving patient outcomes. • Synergistic effects of radiotherapy and systemic therapy improve outcomes in advanced TNBC. • Combined therapy increases adverse events and complexity, necessitating optimized strategies. • Prospective clinical trials are vital for refining combinational treatment regimens. • Advances in radiotherapy techniques and novel therapies open new therapeutic avenues. • Developing reliable biomarkers and enhancing multidisciplinary collaboration are essential.