MBC tumors are commonly assessed for three markers: estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2. The presence or absence of these markers—and how much of the receptor or protein the cancer cells make—help doctors recommend treatments for MBC. About 10% of MBC tumors are positive for all three markers and are referred to as triple-positive MBC or hormone receptor-positive (ER+ and/or PR+), HER2-positive MBC.
Read below to learn more about triple-positive MBC, how it is treated, the latest research for this type of MBC, and clinical trials enrolling people with triple-positive MBC.
Introduction to Triple-Positive MBC
Research for Treatments for Triple-Positive MBC
- American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): In 2020, people with triple-positive MBC typically received hormone therapy and HER2-targeted therapy
- Precision Medicine Online: Data presented at the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium showed good results from chemotherapy-free treatments for triple-positive MBC
- Breastcancer.org: New data from the PATINA trial presented at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium showed that adding palbociclib (Ibrance®) to standard treatment greatly improves progression-free survival in people with triple-positive MBC
MBC Clinical Trials
- Metastatic Trial Search: Trials enrolling people with triple-positive MBC
Last Modified on February 3, 2025