Management of triple negative breast cancer in a centenarian

Abstract

Abstract Background There is limited clinical data to guide treatment for elderly patients with triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). In the case of centenarians, there is almost no data for this age group. The diagnosis of TNBC portends a more challenging clinical course compared to hormone receptor positive breast cancers, especially in elderly patients. Case We present the case of a 102‐year‐old patient who was diagnosed with TNBC. Although our initial plan was observation, the tumor growth rate and the pain it caused resulted in us offering a right total mastectomy and a left partial mastectomy. Conclusion Morbidity and mortality are higher in TNBC patients, and treatments are more limited, especially in elderly patients who may not be able to tolerate chemotherapy or surgery. As a result, management of breast cancer in elderly patients is largely individualized and treatment is generally more conservative. Focusing on quality of life is a key consideration when treating this patient population.

Keywords

• advanced age
• centenarian
• elderly
• triple‐negative breast cancer