Blood Test Could Help Track Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treatment

Triple negative breast cancer  is one of the most aggressive forms of the disease, with a 77% survival rate. And unlike other types of breast cancer, it doesn’t have estrogen, progesterone or HER2 receptors, making it harder to treat with targeted therapies.

Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for triple-negative breast cancer, but its effectiveness varies among patients. According to a study published in Scientific Reports, approximately half of TNBC patients develop chemotherapy resistance, leading to poorer overall survival rates.

But a new blood test that detects a biomarker in plasma could change how doctors monitor treatment. It has completed initial clinical trials and is now awaiting FDA approval. And if approved, it could give oncologists a faster, more precise way to see if a treatment is working.

Dr. Srinidi Mohan, who developed the test, told the Portland Press Herald that it could help doctors assess treatment response much earlier than current methods. Instead of waiting on imaging scans or other clinical signs, a simple blood test could provide real-time insight into whether a treatment is making an impact.

Beyond monitoring treatment, the test could also supplement traditional breast cancer screenings.Mammograms remain the standard for early detection, but a blood-based test could provide an additional tool for screening and early intervention.

For now, the test is in the regulatory pipeline, but its potential is significant. If approved, it could give doctors and patients a clearer way to track treatment success and improve how TNBC is managed.