Factors Influencing Complete Pathological Response Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Muhammet Cengiz11Department of Medical Oncology, Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Kayseri, Türkiye
Objectives: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with a high risk of recurrence. Consequently, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and subsequent responses may influence the course of the disease. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of pathological complete response (pCR) and the factors that influence it. Methods: A total of 97 patients were included in this single-center study. All patients were diagnosed with TNBC and had received NAC. We conducted a retrospective analysis of chemotherapy subtypes, their efficacy, pCR rates, weak positivity for hormone receptors and HER2 receptors, Ki-67 index levels, baseline biochemical markers, and factors influencing this response. Results: Event-free survival (EFS) was 94.5 months in those with a pCR, compared with 64 months in the non-pCR group. Furthermore, the EFS was 39 months in patients with lymph node stage 2–3, whereas those with N0–1 reached 88.7 months. Additionally, elevated baseline CRP levels may be an independent prognostic indicator. Conclusion: Post-NAC lymph node stage, elevated CRP levels, and pCR progression may be independent prognostic factors in patients with TNBC. HR and HER2 receptor statuses did not influence pCR. However, adding chemotherapy to the pCR regimen may not be a sound strategy. At this stage, further studies on immunotherapy and other alternative treatments are needed. Keywords: C-reactive protein, lymph node stage, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, pathological complete response, triple negative breast cancer
Cite This Article
Cengiz M. Factors Influencing Complete Pathological Response Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. EJMI. 2026; 10(4): 516-522
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