Triple-negative breast cancer cell surface marker

Triple-negative breast cancer cell surface markers comprise an array of membrane-bound proteins expressed on TNBC cells, notably CD44, CD24, ALDH1, EpCAM, CD90, and more recently keratin 1 (K1). These markers are used to define subpopulations with cancer stem cell properties—characterized by self-renewal, differentiation, resistance to cytotoxic therapies, and metastatic potential[3][5]. TNBC is an aggressive disease subtype that lacks effective targeted therapies, and these cell surface molecules are under investigation as therapeutic targets for novel treatments, as well as predictive biomarkers for prognosis, recurrence, and response to therapy[1][2][4][5][6]. Therapeutic development is challenged by tumor heterogeneity, marker overlap with normal stem cells, and lack of approved agents, but ongoing research is focused on their utility for safe, effective, and personalized TNBC management.

Other names

Homing cell adhesion moleculeAldehyde dehydrogenase family 1 member A1Tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 1 (TACSTD1)Keratin 1

Direct targeting and elimination of cancer stem cells; Blocking cell adhesion and migration; Delivery of cytotoxic payloads directly to TNBC cells; Immune-mediated cell killing (e.g., CAR-T, bispecific antibodies).