Triple negative breast cancer is fast-growing and challenging, but doctors are highlighting Mary Vasanthi’s journey as proof that hope and recovery are possible.
Breast cancer can be daunting, especially aggressive types that don’t respond to standard treatments. But with timely examinations and appropriate care, even difficult cases can be overcome. 64-year-old Mary Vasanthi’s journey with triple-negative breast cancer is a powerful example of hope and resilience.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Monica Pansare, Consultant Breast and Gynecological Oncology Surgeon, and Dr Nitin Yashas Murthy, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Hematology Oncologist at Manipal Hospital, Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru, shared thoughts on her treatment and recovery. (Read also: Do not drink water after eating: Is this advice scientifically correct? Orthopedic surgeon explains the truth )
What is triple negative breast cancer?
“Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and fast-growing type of breast cancer. It is called ‘triple-negative breast cancer’ because the cancer cells do not have three common receptors, estrogen, progesterone and HER2, which are usually targeted by most treatments. This is why TNBC is difficult to treat,” says Dr. Monica.
“TNBC makes up about 15 to 20 percent of all breast cancer cases and tends to grow and spread faster than other types,” adds Dr. Nitin. “It also has a greater chance of coming back later. While chemotherapy used to be the main treatment, newer treatments such as immunotherapy are giving patients better outcomes.”
Common symptoms of TNBC
“The symptoms may be similar to other types of breast cancer and should never be ignored,” says Dr. Pansari. These include:
- A lump in the breast or underarm area
- Change in breast size or shape
- Thickening, redness or wrinkling of the skin
- Nipple discharge or inversion
- Pain in the breast or underarm area
- Open sores or changes in the skin of the breast
“Early detection is key because TNBC progresses faster than other breast cancers,” adds Dr. Murthy.
From diagnosis to recovery
At age 64, Mary Vasanthi was diagnosed with stage III triple-negative breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes and skin. “Imaging and biopsy tests confirmed an advanced and aggressive form of the disease,” says Dr. Pansari.
“Given the complexity of her condition, we started Mary on a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy with pembrolizumab,” explains Dr. Murthy. “Over eight cycles, the tumor shrank significantly, and follow-up scans showed almost complete disappearance of the cancer from the breast and lymph nodes.”
Mary subsequently underwent a total mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection. “The final report showed a complete pathological response, which means no cancer cells were detected in the removed tissue,” says Dr. Pansari. “Achieving this in such an aggressive cancer is an encouraging sign. Combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy changes how complex cases are treated.”
Preventive steps and early action
“Although TNBC cannot always be prevented, regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle are crucial,” says Dr. Murthy. Doctors recommend the following:
- Regular breast self-examination
- Annual clinical examinations
- Early screening and mammography
- Balanced diet and physical activity
- Immediate medical attention for any breast changes
Doctors point out that Mary’s recovery “highlights a powerful message: early diagnosis, advanced treatment, and integrated care can change outcomes, even in the most aggressive types of cancer.”“
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions about a medical condition.
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with more than 3 years of experience. She is a graduate in Psychology and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from IIMC, Delhi. She writes about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from on-trend styles to wellness routines. She loves having candid conversations with celebrities, doctors, designers, and movie personalities about fitness, beauty, and everything fun in between. With her keen eye for trends and a strong love of storytelling, she adds a personal and thoughtful touch to everything she writes. When she’s not working, she can usually be found lost in a book or on a hike in the mountains.Read more
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