Racial and socioeconomic disparities in triple-negative breast cancer treatment

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) continues to be a significant concern, especially among minority populations, where treatment disparities are notably pronounced. Addressing these disparities, especially among African American women and other minorities, is crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare.

Areas covered

This review delves into the continuum of TNBC treatment, noting that the standard of care, previously restricted to chemotherapy, has now expanded due to emerging clinical trial results. With advances like PARP inhibitors, immunotherapy, and antibody-drug conjugates, a more personalized treatment approach is on the horizon. The review highlights innovative interventions tailored for minorities, such as utilizing technology like text messaging, smartphone apps, and targeted radio programming, coupled with church-based behavioral interventions.

Expert opinion

Addressing TNBC treatment disparities demands a multifaceted approach, blending advanced medical treatments with culturally sensitive community outreach. The potential of technology, especially in the realm of promoting health awareness, is yet to be fully harnessed. As the field progresses, understanding and integrating the socio-economic, biological, and access-related challenges faced by minorities will be pivotal for achieving health equity in TNBC care.

KEYWORDS:

• Triple-negative breast cancer
• health disparities
• minority populations
• personalized treatment
• socioeconomic factors

Article highlights

• TNBC Treatment Evolution: The shift from primarily using chemotherapy to the inclusion of advanced methods such as PARP inhibitors, immunotherapy, and antibody-drug conjugates.

• Persistent Treatment Disparities: Highlighting the significant treatment outcome disparities faced by African American women and other minorities, influenced heavily by both socioeconomic and biological determinants.

• Intervention Strategies: Emphasis on introducing innovative, culturally-relevant interventions such as text messaging, smartphone applications, and health promotion through targeted media, all aimed at enhancing early detection and health awareness.

• Beyond Medical Treatment: The overarching theme of addressing not just the clinical, but also the larger socio-economic aspects when tackling TNBC disparities – from healthy nutrition and safe exercise habits to consistent employment opportunities.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.