Scientists identify molecule driving one of the deadliest forms of breast cancer
Australian researchers have uncovered a promising new way to tackle one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, raising hopes for more effective treatments to stop the disease from spreading.
Scientists have identified a molecule that drives the spread of one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, known as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The study, conducted by researchers at Adelaide University and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, discovered a molecular switch called miR-342 that appears to trigger the spread of TNBC.
TNBC is particularly challenging to treat because it lacks hormone receptors and HER2 proteins, which many other breast cancer therapies target. In preclinical models, the researchers found that restoring miR-342 levels in low levels reduced the spread of breast cancer to organs like the lungs and bones. Additionally, treating tumors with low miR-342 levels with an existing CDK4/6 inhibitor drug called palbociclib significantly reduced metastatic tumor growth.
Co-senior author Associate Professor Philip Gregory emphasized that metastasis remains the biggest challenge in treating TNBC, which accounts for 10-15% of breast cancer diagnoses in Australia but causes a disproportionate number of deaths due to its rapid spread. The discovery of miR-342 as a targetable molecule could help identify a subset of women with TNBC who may benefit from CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy.
Further validation in patient-derived preclinical models is needed before clinical trials can begin.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
