Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Early and Late Stage Management
(CPD Accredited)

Date & Time:

• 2nd October 2025
• 7 PM – 8:30 PM (EAT)

Speaker: Dr. Joseph Abuodha
Consultant Medical Oncologist, Department of Haematology and Oncology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi
Topic: Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Advancing Care Across Early and Late Stages

Moderator: Dr. Helena Musau
Consultant Clinical/Radiation Oncologist and Palliative Care Specialist

Summary:

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Contemporary Clinical Updates

Presentation by Dr Joseph Abuodha

Dr Joseph Abuodha, Consultant Medical Oncologist, delivered a comprehensive clinical update on the biology, diagnosis and management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), highlighting its aggressive nature, molecular heterogeneity and disproportionate burden in African populations.

The presentation outlined the distinctive pathological and molecular characteristics of TNBC, emphasizing the absence of hormone receptor and HER2 expression, high-grade histology and frequent genomic instability. Local and global epidemiological data were reviewed, underscoring the higher prevalence and mortality associated with TNBC in African and African-descended populations.

Management strategies across the disease spectrum were discussed, with chemotherapy reaffirmed as the backbone of treatment in non-metastatic disease. Dr Abuodha highlighted the growing role of neoadjuvant therapy, particularly for stage II and III disease, noting that achievement of pathologic complete response (pCR) remains a critical prognostic marker. Evidence supporting the incorporation of platinum agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors in selected patients was reviewed, alongside adjuvant strategies for residual disease, including capecitabine and PARP inhibitors in BRCA-mutated cancers.

In the metastatic setting, the importance of repeat biopsy and molecular reassessment was emphasized to guide therapy. Emerging systemic options including immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors and antibody–drug conjugates were discussed in the context of treatment sequencing and patient selection, alongside the central role of supportive and palliative care.

Key takeaway: Triple-negative breast cancer requires a biologically informed, stage-adapted treatment approach, with increasing emphasis on neoadjuvant strategies, molecular testing and integration of novel systemic therapies to improve outcomes in high-risk populations.