From the Research
Yes, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) can be triple negative, though it is less common than in invasive breast cancer. Triple negative DCIS lacks expression of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 protein. When DCIS is diagnosed, pathologists routinely test the tissue sample for these three biomarkers to help guide treatment decisions.
Key Points
- Triple negative DCIS accounts for approximately 7-10% of all DCIS cases, as suggested by various studies 1, 2.
- This classification is important because it affects treatment approaches.
- While surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy) remains the primary treatment for all DCIS, triple negative DCIS doesn't respond to hormone therapy or HER2-targeted treatments that might be used for hormone receptor-positive or HER2-positive DCIS.
- Radiation therapy after lumpectomy is often recommended for triple negative DCIS due to its more aggressive biological profile, as indicated by research on tumor progression and characteristics 1.
- Triple negative DCIS may have a higher risk of recurrence and progression to invasive cancer compared to hormone-positive DCIS, which is why close monitoring and appropriate treatment are essential, as discussed in the context of breast cancer management 3, 4.
Treatment Considerations
- The most recent and highest quality study, from 2022 4, although focused on triple-negative breast cancer inhibitors, underscores the importance of understanding the molecular characteristics of triple-negative cancers, including DCIS, for developing targeted therapies.
- Given the aggressive nature of triple negative DCIS, radiation therapy after lumpectomy is a critical consideration to reduce the risk of recurrence, aligning with principles of managing aggressive breast cancer types 1, 2.