ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The treatment of early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has radically changed in recent years. Response to neoadjuvant treatment has provided prognostic information, and the achievement of a pathological complete response (pCR) is associated with improved prognosis. An exact treatment algorithm that embraces the trade-off of efficacy and toxicity in a risk-adapted manner has, however, not been consolidated. AREAS COVERED: In this review, we focused on the current treatments used for patients with early triple negative breast cancer, aiming at framing a therapeutic approach toward risk-adapted treatment optimization. We reviewed the clinical trials and other evidence at the foundation of the current clinical practice in early TNBC and identified possible areas of clinical implementation. EXPERT OPINION: In our opinion, treatment optimization will ensure improved patient-centric outcomes, with less toxicities, better long-term quality of life and risk-adapted treatment modulation. Presently, treatment modulation can be applied in some patients through de-intensification, for small TNBC, informed by novel biomarkers and based on the response to neoadjuvant treatments, especially in the case of pCR. Innovative approaches should incorporate baseline risk and cancer biology, treatment response, and post-surgery biomarkers of prognosis, to deliver risk-adapted treatments for patients with early TNBC.