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Cancer Cell International
Published in: Cancer Cell International 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Breast Cancer | Review

Triple-negative breast cancer: understanding Wnt signaling in drug resistance

Authors: Parnaz Merikhian, Mohammad Reza Eisavand, Leila Farahmand

Published in: Cancer Cell International | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is not as prevalent as hormone receptor or HER2-positive breast cancers and all receptor tests come back negative. More importantly, the heterogeneity and complexity of the TNBC on the molecular and clinical levels have limited the successful development of novel therapeutic strategies and led to intrinsic or developed resistance to chemotherapies and new therapeutic agents. Studies have demonstrated deregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in tumorigenesis which plays decisive roles at the low survival rate of patients and facilitates resistance to currently existing therapies. This review summarizes mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin signaling for resistance development in TNBC, the complex interaction between Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and the transactivated receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathways, lymphocytic infiltration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and induction of metastasis. Such associations and how these pathways interact in the development and progression of cancer have led to the careful analysis and development of new and effective combination therapies without generating significant toxicity and resistance.
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Metadata
Title
Triple-negative breast cancer: understanding Wnt signaling in drug resistance
Authors
Parnaz Merikhian
Mohammad Reza Eisavand
Leila Farahmand
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Cancer Cell International / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1475-2867
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-021-02107-3

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