FDA approves first-ever immunotherapy for breast cancer

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WPVI) -- The FDA has approved the first-ever immunotherapy for breast cancer.

And it was approved for an aggressive, hard-to-treat form - triple negative.

Tecentriq will be used in combination with traditional chemotherapy for cancer that's spread beyond the breast area.

It has already been approved for some bladder and non-small cell lung cancers.

Immunotherapy works by activating the body's immune cells to attack malignant cells.

Triple-negative breast cancer occurs more in women under 50, especially african american women