Prediction of pathological complete response after neoadjuvant treatment in triple negative breast cancer: a single center experience

Purpose: To identify clinicopathological factors associated with pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).Matherials and methods: A retrospective study of 51 women with stage I–III TNBC who received NAC between January 2019 and December 2024 at Antalya Training and Research Hospital. Binary logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of pCR.Results: The median age was 49 years (range: 28-79), and 28 patients (54.9%) achieved pCR. Patients aged ≥60 were significantly less likely to achieve pCR (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.05-0.98; p=0.048*). No significant associations were found for carboplatin or pembrolizumab use.Conclusion: This real-world cohort confirms that pCR rates are consistent with literature. Advanced age was a significant negative predictor, emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches in elderly patients.