Triple‑negative breast cancer (TNBC), defined by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 expression, is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with limited targeted treatment options. Compared with Western populations, Indian cohorts demonstrate a markedly higher proportion of TNBC, younger median age at diagnosis, and more frequent presentation at advanced stage. Molecular profiling of Indian TNBC series reveals distinctive features, including elevated rates of germline BRCA1/2 mutations, frequent TP53 alterations, high EGFR expression in many cohorts, and variable androgen receptor (AR) and PD‑L1 expression. Systemic therapy remains anchored in anthracycline‑ and taxane‑based chemotherapy; however, immune checkpoint blockade and PARP inhibitors are emerging in selected patients. Structural barriers — late detection, constrained access to molecular diagnostics, and limited availability and affordability of novel agents — diminish the potential clinical impact of these advances. This review synthesizes published Indian data on epidemiology, molecular characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of TNBC, identifies research and policy gaps, and proposes priorities to improve care and generate regionally relevant evidence.
Bandana Kumari Soni (Wed,) studied this question.